Limerick-based children's charity launches Fit February fundraiser
THE LIMERICK-based children’s charity CARI is encouraging the people of the Treaty county and beyond to start their spring off the right way, by participating in their ‘5k a day your way’ and ‘Spinathon’ fundraisers.
The CARI Foundation, which provides vital services to families and children affected by child sexual abuse, is a national charity which has its headquarters on the Ennis Road in Limerick city.
The charity has launched two separate fitness initiatives to raise essential funds which Head of Therapy Emer O’Neill, describes as “taking a healthy approach to fundraising”.
“People get two positive outcomes by taking part: firstly, they can improve their fitness and secondly, they are supporting vulnerable children who need their help. Anyone can register for ‘5k a day your way’ and can choose their own activity to clock up the kilometres,” explained Emer.
“That can be anything from walking, jogging or running, to cycling, kayaking or more. We can’t wait to see what people choose," she added.
Participants are asked to donate €1 a day during the month of February.
As well as this, CARI is also running a 24-hour sponsored ‘Spinathon’ at the end of the month.
The event will be held in the car park of CARI’s Limerick HQ on the Ennis Road, and CARI will have two spinning bikes available on-site.
It kicks off at 12pm on Saturday, February 25 and finishes at 12pm on Sunday, February 26.
According to recent reports conducted by the organisation, there has been a 36% increase in child abuse referrals to Tusla in the last five years.
Emer O’Neill says all monies raised will be put to good use: “We urgently need to employ more therapists to deal with our waiting lists. If a three-year-old victim of sexual abuse is forced to wait three, four or more years for therapy, the effects can be devastating for the child and their families. If appropriate support is not in place for children and families, there is a huge impact on their mental health and relationships.”