Event at Limerick Racecourse to help children with life-limiting conditions
A CHARITY race day is one of many initiatives to help Cliona’s Foundation raise the minimum of half a million euros required to support families this year.
The annual inter-firm charity race day takes place on Thursday, May 25 at Limerick Racecourse. Cliona’s ambassadors and Limerick hurling greats Shane Dowling and TJ Ryan were on hand to launch the event with Fiona Carey, of Limerick Racecourse.
Shane Dowling said he has seen first-hand the impact of financial help on families caring for a seriously sick child.
“We are looking forward to a fantastic day out at Limerick Racecourse on May 25,” said Shane.
Cliona’s have been helping families in Limerick and the Mid-West since 2008. To date the foundation has provided financial assistance to 207 families.
Many parents must give up their jobs to care for their sick child leaving them struggling to cope. Studies have highlighted that a family will need between €10,000 and €15,000 a year to cover various bills while their child is ill.
Co-founder and voluntary CEO of Cliona’s, Brendan Ring said so many of these families experienced, and continue to experience, the significant non-medical costs of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition.
“The cost of living is crippling families who are already devastated by their child’s illness. We have to do all we can to help them. It has never been more urgent to work even harder for the forgotten families Cliona’s work with. Simply by supporting the race day and enjoying a fantastic day out at the races you are helping families who are in a real crisis, so I am encouraging everyone to join us on May 25 for a special day,” said Brendan.
Cliona’s Foundation expects at least 200 families will apply for financial assistance this year and will need to raise a minimum of €500,000 to meet these applications.
Cliona’s and the race day organisers are promising a fantastic day out for all attendees with two types of tickets available - a corporate ticket for four people or individual tickets. The corporate ticket includes admission to the racecourse, a complimentary race card featuring the company name and logo and entry to win a magnificent overall prize.
Both tickets include delicious food, followed by fantastic live music at the Greenmount Suite. Doors open for the event at 4pm and the first race kicks off at approximately 5pm.
Tickets from www.clionas.ie or 087 6351050.