ASSISTANCE DOGS BENEFIT FROM CAR WASH PROCEEDS
There's conclusive proof that interaction with dogs benefit those with a variety of conditions. From nurseries to care homes for the elderly, dogs are making their positive presence felt. Their track record of success with the visually impaired is legendary - what's less well known is their involvement with those who have autism.
WELL ORGANISED FUNDRAISER
Impressed by the work of Autism Assistance Dogs, John White from Mitchelstown held a very successful fundraiser in the town last Saturday - a car wash helping to generate the all important finance, raising €4,300 overall. John's first port of call was to find a convenient town centre location - he did this thanks to the goodwill of Sean O'Farrell of O'Farrell's SuperValu.
His next move was to secure the services of his good friends in Mitchelstown Fire Brigade - Bob Dalton and company were more than happy to help out.
“It was unreal; a resounding success. Sean O’Farrell is an outstanding gentleman. And Bob Dalton - everything he did was done to a T”.
From 11am to 3pm last Saturday, John and his fellow volunteers cleaned, scrubbed, wiped, rinsed and polished dozens of cars during what was a hectic few hours in very hot conditions.
"There was a lot of work in it, but everyone really put their shoulder to the wheel. I want to say a special word of thanks to Mitchelstown Fire Brigade - they were brilliant. They never stopped, and they never took a break." John said.
ALWAYS ON CALL
Proving what an essential service they are, the fire brigade were called out during last Saturday's fundraiser. In fairness to John and his team, they stuck to their task and were flat out until the 3pm cut off point. Station officer Bob Dalton told TheAvondhu they were hard at it for the whole four hours, and the brigade got a call at just about 3pm, bringing a tidy end to the fundraiser.
LOOKING FORWARD
Car wash volunteers went home tired, but happy and safe in the knowledge that very important funds had been raised for Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland. Well done to all concerned, a fantastic effort.
Readers should also note that as part of his fundraising campaign, John White intends on taking part in a parachute jump, ‘ Jump for John’ in County Offaly on Saturday, 27th May.
While closer to home, there will be a table quiz in The Hunter’s Rest this Friday at 9.30pm. Organised by the “dynamite” Molly Keating, it's likely to be as successful as the carwash event.