Rape Crisis fundraiser highlights Best of Wexford
UP TO 300 people showed their support for the Wexford Rape Crisis Centre when they attended the Best of Wexford from Head to Toe event which was held in Clayton White’s Hotel.
This is the second year of the trade show fundraiser and all funds raised will go towards the running of the local centre which has seen a huge increase in demand for its services.
Over 40 stalls, showcasing general health, well-being and feel-good products were on display on the day while 150 people sat down to enjoy a cookery demo which was facilitated by Paul Hynes from La Côte and Alan Foley from the Stephouse Hotel in Borris.
As part of that event, half a dozen golden tickets were taped to the bottom of random chairs in the audience so six lucky attendees got their dinner delivered to them, straight from the chef ’s hand!
Mairead Sinnott, chairperson of the board of the Wexford Rape Crisis Centre, explained that some of the stalls were donating all of their earnings from the day to the centre while others had paid a contribution to take a stall at the event.
She did not have a final figure of the funds raised but pointed out that last year’s event made over €8,000 and they were hopeful of coming in around that amount again.
‘The money will be used to help reduce our waiting list. We have taken on two new contract counsellors, one of whom specialises in adolescant therapy. The money raised will subsidise them and we also hope to offer more group therapy options this year as they have proved very successful in the past.’
She added: ‘It’s important to note that all new referrals will be addressed directly within a few days so no one will be left waiting for that initial contact with the service.’
One of the big issues facing the centre is their lack of space and Ms Sinnott said that they were still desperately crying out for help in seeking a new premises to house what was a vital service in the local community.
‘There has to be someone with a solution or with a property that could suit our needs. We keep hoping that our work and efforts will resonate with someone who can help,’ remarked Ms Sinnott.
The Rape Crisis helpline is 1800 33 00 33.