CrossCause host Fr. Ted style event
IT wouldn’t be Christmas without veteran fundraiser Conor Hughes and his band of merry volunteers preparing to lark about on Blackrock beach!
This year is set to be an exceptionally funny gig as Conor will don his Father Ted garb to lead the fundraiser which will be held as normal on St. Stephen’s day.
‘We held a Fr. Ted theme party earlier in the year, and it was so popular that we realised it was a great one to go with for this year’s Stephens Day fundraiser,’ Conor told the Argus.
‘ There are a whole range of activities planned for the event, including plenty of blessings, a number of moving statues, and a re-run of the famous ‘ lovely girls’ competition where all the ladies will be dressed in their finest 1990’s countrywear best,’ said Conor.
‘Added to that we will have more priests than ever before, oh and a special visit by Fr. Trump from America, which we are especially looking forward to.’
The event is held every year to raise funds for the Crosscause charity, which serves communities in need in Romania and Ghana.
‘ The work in Romania continues, and in 2017 we will focus on villages in Ghana where we are hoping to carry out eye tests on everyone who needs them, and some minor treatments that will help.’
He explained that eye surgery is in fact free in Ghana, but most people cannot afford to travel to the cities for the operation.
‘We will be funding the travel for anyone who needs surgery, as it’s a real barrier for many,’ explained Conor.
He said the past year has been especially busy for Crosscause as along with continuing their work in both countries they also arranged for convoys of aid to go out to Syria.
‘We’re really grateful to everyone who supports us, particularly by coming out on St. Stephen’s morning to see our antics.’ The event has become a popular feature of the festive season in Blackrock, and draws huge crowds every year, no matter the weather.
‘We’ll be kicking off a bit earlier this year, hopefully around 11am. There will be plenty of tea and treats to go round, so everybody is welcome,’ added Conor.