Businesses and schools all over Laois joined with those in Offaly to back the two county's shared Autism fundraising and awareness day.
Friday, April 28 was Rainbow Day for Laois Offaly Families for Autism (LOFFA).
The parent run support group has grown to capacity at 155 families of people with Autism of all ages. They offer monthly meetings, social outings and subsidies on private therapy costs. An unfunded registered charity, they rely entirely on donations and the communities have embraced their annual fundraiser. More below photos of Laois events.
Their third annual Rainbow Day was a huge success, with some 300 collection buckets handed out by volunteer members to shops and schools to fill up on the day.
Everyone was encouraged to wear rainbow colours on the day, to show inclusivity for people with Autism.
Among many putting out buckets in Portlaoise were Lana’s Restaurant, The Garda Station, LOETB, Fujifilm, Bellacure, Star Ink, Brown's Animal Feeds, Screwfix, Kristen's Cakery and Bosco's Gala.
In Portarlington were Adrian Dunne Pharmacy, Portarlington Pharmacy, Port Credit Union, Supervalu, Eurovalue, Life Pharmacy, the Anvil Inn and Everyday and Emo filling stations.
Majella's Montessori in Mountmellick, Little Stars Montessori in Kilminchy, Kilminchy Schoolhouse, Newtown National School, Centra Ballyroan, Telfords Mountrath are also all on board.
In Borris in Ossory, Kelly's Bar, Gala, Daybreak and Drennan's Butchers all took part.
In Rathdowney, supporters donated through The Hair House, The Card Stand, Supervalu, Rathdowney Pharmacy, O’Malley’s, Corcorans, Care Plus Pharmacy, Fortunes Shop, The Willow Tree @ The Golf Club and The Brewery.
Breda Murray chairperson of LOFFA described it as a huge success.
“We have been blown away with the amount of emails/facebook messages and calls from members of the public asking how they can get involved..
“Businesses in Laois and Offaly were only too happy to take part once again and another 100 businesses were added to our list.
“Creches/playschools/primary schools and secondary schools are celebrating Rainbow Day as a fun and happy day. Some schools design their own rainbow t-shirts on the day, organise cake sales and hold art competitions. It is great to see so many playschools on board as it raises awareness of Autism at such a young age.
“Rainbow Day is not just about raising funds, spreading awareness so that people can educate themselves on how to embrace neurodiversity and honour each individual's needs and strengths.
“We have been very fortunate to do what we do and this is down to the generosity of the people in Laois/Offaly and beyond who have always supported us and we hope will continue to do so in the future,” Ms Murray said.
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