Donegal couple who fostered over 40 kids to speak at Letterkenny event

A couple from Donegal who have fostered over 40 children will be speaking at a Letterkenny event.

Tusla carers Patsy and Rosie Curran from Castlefin have fostered 47 children in 35 years, all whilst raising six children of their own.

The couple will be speaking at a Donegal Giving event called Footprints of Giving at An Grianán Theatre on Thursday, November 12, from 10 am to 1:30 pm.

Pasty and Rosie will be joined by Donegal Giving Ambassador Pat Gallagher, motivational speaker Anne Marie Houston, chartered psychologist Dr Tom Hannan on the psychology of giving, and Deirdre McGlone of We Bought a Village, along with a strong line-up of panellists from business and the community sector.

Last year's event was highly successful and brought over 260 attendees, reaching capacity.

The free event, hosted by MC Karen Murphy, will see former Government Minister Joe McHugh launch the new Footprints of Giving Legacy Journal, following a community film by Kevin Dooher of The Wild Atlantic Traveller.

The 160-page journal features Donegal imagery and space to reflect. It costs €20, with proceeds supporting Donegal Giving CLG, a not-for-profit social enterprise.

Donegal Giving will also launch a five-week Giving Challenge, running until mid-December. People, schools, businesses and community groups are invited to commit to an act of giving, whether that is time, skills, kindness or care for the environment, and sign up through QR codes at the event.

The Learning, Leadership and Legacy panel looks at ATU marketing students’ research into attitudes to giving in Donegal, and how giving builds leadership skills for future careers. The Giving Through Community panel opens a conversation about volunteering, inclusion, local leadership and how giving creates stronger communities.

In a practical example of giving without money, Donegal Giving’s Environmental Partner Efficient Renewables is offering its stand to a HSE-supported respiratory team from Letterkenny University Hospital.

Advanced Nurse Practitioner Patricia McLaughlin and COPD Clinical Nurse Specialist Alana Kiernan will offer advice on minding your breathing through the winter. Jigsaw Donegal, ALONE, Tusla Fostering and Donegal Volunteer Centre are among more than a dozen community organisations exhibiting on the day.

Booking is required to attend the free event. To book your spot, visit Donegal Giving’s page on TicketTailor.

tickettailor.com/events/donegalgiving/2334585.