Family Addiction Support Network receives $2,000 donation from Wolfe Tones GFC Chicago

The Family Addiction Support Network (FASN) has received a $2,000 donation from Wolfe Tone GFC Chicago to assist with the organisation’s vital ongoing work. 

The Network is this year celebrating 21 years of providing support services to family members and loved ones of those experiencing addiction issues across Louth, Meath, Monaghan & Cavan. 

Data from a 2020 study indicated that Ireland has the fourth highest rate of drug-related deaths in Europe and the number of cases of addiction treatment has risen significantly in recent years. In the same study, 59% of people said that they have direct experience of addiction, whether that be themselves, a family member, or a close friend. 

The cheque for $2,000 was presented to Gwen McKenna, FASN Family Support Specialist by Paddy Dixon and JP Rooney of Louth GAA, representing Wolfe Tones Gaelic Football Club on Thursday 9 February at the FASN Head Office, in Dundalk, Co. Louth. 

The Wolfe Tones Gaelic Football Club was founded in 1957 and first took the field in the summer of 1958. While not the oldest Gaelic Football club in Chicago, the Wolfe Tones is one of the most successful clubs in North America with 22 senior Chicago titles and 13 North American Championships and competing in 17 NCAB final.

Gwen McKenna, Family Support Specialist of FASN said: “We were delighted when the Wolfe Tones Gaelic Football Club got in touch to say that FASN had been chosen to receive the donation.

"Supporting and encouraging family members and loved ones to engage with our educational & therapeutic services to help them to cope with the ongoing stress & strain of living with addiction is our organisation’s main objective. Any donations we receive are always hugely appreciated and will help us to continue to provide these much-needed vital services."

“Referrals for help with addiction issues are on the rise so it is more important than ever that families and loved ones across our communities have access to support services themselves as so many families are currently living under huge stress.

"It was such a lovely and welcome surprise to learn that a GAA club based as far away as Chicago recognised that our organisation’s work is an extremely worthwhile cause. We would like to sincerely thank them for their support ” Jackie added.

Gwen McKenna also outlined the importance of community groups, sports clubs and organsiations working together in addressing the issue of substance misuse.

“It is also wonderful when organisations like the GAA, who are also working hard in addressing substance misuse issues among young people themselves, & community-based organisations like FASN work together in alliance and partnership to ensure that anyone in our community who needs support, can access services.

When community and voluntary organisations work in partnership – together we can work to improve lives and build a better society for all. ” Gwen added.