'Cops and Donuts' : Laois Gardaí to sell donuts as fundraiser for Special Olympics

Laois Gardaí are holding a fundraiser in aid of Special Olympics Leinster on Sunday November 17.

'Cops and Donuts' will see Gardaí from Portlaoise and Abbeyleix Garda stations selling donuts from 10am to 4pm at Laois Shopping Centre, where Gardaí hope to sell over 2000 doughnuts, with all the proceeds of the sales going directly to Special Olympics Leinster.

"For the past two years, we sell around 2,000 donuts in the shopping centre to raise funds for the Special Olympics," said Abbeyleix sergeant Paul Howard, the driving force behind the event.

"We raised almost €4,000 in Portlaoise alone last year, it was great," said the sergeant.

Pictured: Inspector Joe Culliton, Sgt Paul Howard, Sgt Orla Nolan, Garda Joanne O Mahony and Garda Dan Sheehy from Abbeyleix and Portlaoise Garda Stations. Liam Brereton of Sliding Wardrobes Direct and Tony Byrne of Grape and Bean along with athletes and volunteers of Laochra Laoise Special Olympics Club.

The doughnuts will be delivered fresh that morning from Kelly’s Family Bakery of Wexford Town and sold at a cost of €2 for two or €5 for a box of six.

The event is being run as part of An Garda Síochana’s commitment to the Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics.

The event was launched on Saturday November 9 in Laois shopping centre. Speaking at the launch, Inspector Joe Culliton praised the fundraising event.

"I am delighted to be involved in the Cops and Donuts event again this year," Inspector Culliton said.

"We had a hugely successful event last year and we would like to thank everyone who came out and supported us. This not only gives us the opportunity to raise money for a good cause, but to also get out there and engage with the people in the community," he said.

Pictured: The launch of Cops and Donuts on November 9, ahead of the event on November 17.

"I would encourage everyone to come and show your support on Sunday 17th November as we raise money for an excellent cause," the inspector finished.

"I am delighted to be able to organise the 'Cops and Donuts' event again this year in aid of Special Olympics," Sgt Howard said.

"This will be our 3rd year holding this fundraiser in Portlaoise. We had great support at the event the last two years. I would like to thank Kevin and all the staff at Loais Shopping Centre for allowing us to hold our fundraiser again," he said.

"This is a very worthwhile cause and we are looking forward to meeting everyone who comes out and supports us as we aim to raise as much money as we can for our Special Olympics athletes," the sergeant finished.

Fundraising Manager with Special Olympics Ireland, Ms Karen Treacy, praised the event as a "fun and tasty way to raise much-needed funds for the Special Olympics".

"We are extremely grateful to An Garda Síochana, whose support for Special Olympics is invaluable," Ms Treacy said.

Pictured: Laois shopping centre held the official launch of Cops and Donuts.

"We are grateful to Tony from Grape and Bean and Liam from Sliding Wardrobes Direct who have kindly agreed to sponsor the event, and also to Kevin and his team at Laois Shopping Centre for allowing us to set up shop in the centre for the day," Ms Treacy finished.

Along with Cops and Donuts, this is one of many fundraisers for the Special Olympics undertaken by Sgt Howard.

He will represent An Garda Síochána in the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics winter games. Sgt Howard is one of 106 enforcement officers around the globe to represent their country for the Law Enforcement Torch Run.

While stationed in Limerick, Sgt Howard took part in multiple torch runs and medal presentations associated with the Special Olympics. 

Make sure to stop by Laois Shopping Centre on Sunday November 17 between 10am to 4pm to support this fantastic cause- and to enjoy some fantastic donuts!