Community group asks for local support after €70,000 hike in project costs

A community group is fundraising to find an extra €70,000 towards new facilities due to an increase in building costs.

The Ray Community Group is running a series of events over the summer to help raise funding for a new astroturf pitch and walking track at its community centre, which is located between Ramelton and Rathmullan.

The group was allocated funding earlier this year from the Sports Capital Fund for a state of the art new astroturf pitch at the centre, However, due to the cost of building materials increasing, the final cost of the project is now coming in at around €70,000 above the allocated grant. Ray Community Group Treasurer Fiona Boyle said the group is asking the local community to get behind the fundraising drive.

The first event of the summer programme is a walk and barbeque which is taking place on Sunday, May 29. The 8.8km Garrygort loop walk will commence at 11am from the centre with the barbeque starting from 12.30pm. People are also welcome to come along just for the barbeque and to enjoy the new woodland play area.

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The new woodland play area will also be officially opened and named on the day. Local schools were asked to come up with a new name for the play area, with the winning name set to be revealed at the opening. The playground includes a series of wooden animal sculptures created by artist Gintas Carving, and a covered picnic area with paths.

Other fundraising events this summer include a camping festival weekend at Ray Community Centre on July 15 and 16.

As well as events the group will also be announcing a weekly draw that will be taking place over the summer months.