Laois Autism charity's 'Rainbow Day' fundraiser raises over €10,000

Laois Offaly Families For Autism (LOFFA) held their annual Rainbow Day fundraiser on Friday April 7.

Over 160 businesses and 70 schools took part in the fundraiser, and LOFFA are still collecting the raised funds. So far, LOFFA are happy to report that they have raised over €10,000.

"The committee are on the road the last few days collecting buckets from the businesses who have taken part," a LOFFA spokesperson told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

"There is still lots to collect, but we are over the €10,000 mark at the moment."

Last year, the charity raised over €35,000 through their Rainbow Day fundraiser.

Pictured: Some of LOFFA's many collection buckets issued on Rainbow Day

LOFFA Chairperson Breda Murray spoke to the Leinster Express / Laois live to praise Laois locals for their dedication.

"A public house in the small village of Ballacolla, Laois raised a massive €490 for Rainbow Day," she said.

"The landylady Loretta Kirwan Finan donated a fabulous Easter Hamper herself and raffled it off on Easter Monday in the pub. A big thank you to Loretta, staff and all customers who bought tickets," Ms Murray said.

"It is looking like this was our biggest Rainbow Day yet. The people in Laois Offaly are just fantastic, we have had so much support over the last four years and we would like to sincerely thank them."

Over 230 collection buckets were issued by the charity, with many of them still to be collected.

Portarlington Credit Union donated a whopping €1,000 towards Rainbow Day, and Rathdowney business Michelle's Cakes and Bakes raised an inspiring €1,600.

Shanahoe NS and Banrashrone NS were happy to report that they each had raised over €150, with students dressing in rainbow colours on the day.

With more donations still to be counted, the final figure raised on Rainbow Day is yet to be announced.

LOFFA is a local, non-profit charity based in Laois and Offaly who support the membership of over 100 local families who have a child with a diagnosis of autism.

All funds raised go directly to subsidising private therapies  for members, such as Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Therapy, Play Therapy, Behavioural therapy and Counselling.

Loffa also offers a programme of social events to families such a swimming, cinema, family outings, coffee morning and monthly meetings.

You can donate to LOFFA here.