Laois disability support centres launch major fundraiser

Three disability support centres in Laois are coming together to host a major fundraising event to raise vital funds for the purchase of sports equipment for people within the services to help them achieve their sporting goals.

The RehabCare Laois ‘Mega Coffee Morning’ will take place on Wednesday, April 10 in Kavanagh’s Pub and Venue in Portlaoise, with very special guest, musician Tony Cunningham, performing on the day and raffling off a signed guitar.

The services cater to more than 70 people with disabilities in three RehabCare Laois centres, many of whom are keen sports players and very much involved in the wider community. With the funds raised from the coffee morning and raffle, the teams will purchase equipment to broaden the variety of sports available to these individuals.

Mark Brady, RehabCare Programme Facilitator, says: “That’s the essence of our work; ensuring that people in our services are active players in all areas of society, breaking down the barriers to true inclusion. Across all our centres we focus on personal development, supporting our service users to obtain opportunities within the general public, and person-centred development plans promoting independence and individual growth.”

Speaking about the fundraiser, Mark said: “We are raising funds to purchase state-of-the-art sports equipment and new uniforms for our sports teams and service users. There is a great sense of community spirit within our three centres and we want to spread that even further among the people of Laois, and further afield, to create a truly special and memorable event on the 10th of April.”

“We have been overwhelmed by the massive response to our raffle, and we all want to say a huge thank you to the people, businesses and organisations who are sponsoring it, offering amazing prices. Tell your friends, family, and loved ones to come along on the day, grab a cuppa, have a chat with the people who use our services and our dedicated staff members, and be treated to some fantastic music by Tony Cunningham”, Mark continued. 

Raffle prizes range from a framed and signed picture of Liverpool Legend Sir Kenny Dalglish, a signed Laois GAA jersey, signed Portlaoise Panthers basketball and team jersey, Ex UFC fighter Paddy Holohan memorabilia, multiple signed copies of Ciarán Wynne’s album ‘Turquoise and Brown’, two prints from emerging Irish artist Martina McDonald, a vintage Liverpool Jersey from 2002 signed by legends Gary McAllister and Jan Mjolby, a family package (2 adults + 2 children under 13) to any remaining home fixture for the 2023-2024 season to Turners Cross, home of Cork City FC.

People attending RehabCare Laois, with the support of staff, will be offering a range of home-made baked goods during the event. All donations and support on the day is greatly welcomed and appreciated. To find out more information or to donate online, please visit this link: www.idonate.ie/event/rehabcareportlaoise-coffeemorning

For more information, email: fundraising@rehab.ie. RehabCare offers three disability support centres in Laois, including the Triogue Hub and Dunamaise Resource Centre, both located in Portlaoise, as well as The Riverview Hub in Portarlington. The organisation has been at the forefront of providing invaluable services to people with disabilities for many years. The dedicated teams work to ensure that individuals with disabilities have the resources and support needed to lead fulfilling, independent lives.

The coffee morning will take place on April 10 from 11am to 2pm at Kavanagh’s Bar and venue, 29 Main Street Portlaoise.