Maria Goretti centre mark fantastic year
The Lordship based Maria Goretti Children’s Respite Centre are celebrating an incredible year during which services were extended.
Since it opened in 2014, eighty families from the Louth area have availed of the respite service, and during this past year, the centre are delighted to have been able to add to the number of nights they are open.
With four beds currently available, the Respite Centre is open six nights per week.
A spokeswoman for the centre explained that average family receives two nights respite every six weeks.
‘However, for some families an increased level of need means that they can receive additional respite care within that period.’
The story of the Maria Goretti Respite Centre has touched the hearts of many people.
‘All through 2016, the people of Louth and further afield have been busy lending support. Many fundraising events were organised. The Maria Goretti Respite Centre would like to express their deepest gratitude to everybody who raised money on their behalf.’
The spokeswoman explained that children gave some of their Holy Communion and Con- firmation monies.
Other kind people ran or walked in aid of the charity. Nathan sang, cows were watched, and Halloween ghosts screamed. Vintage ploughs turned sods, Christmas jumpers were worn, and ice cream machines were donated!
The support received is wide and varied as so many are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with the respite Centre.’ She added that thanks to all the support work is underway for a state of the art ‘sensory garden’ which will open at Easter, and specialised sensory equipment has been purchased.
‘As the year 2016 draws to a close, it’s a time for reflection. The Maria Goretti Respite Centre feels humbled at the level of support received throughout the past year.
On behalf of the families who use this vital service, deep gratitude is felt for each and every person who has made it possible for those who are most in need to receive respite care.
They would like to wish all of their supporters a very happy and peaceful Christmas.
Their wish for 2017 is that the wonderful spirit of loving and caring which is the Maria Goretti Respite Centre will continue to grow from strength to strength.’