Donna proves an angel to Wheelchair Association locally
The Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) in Cavan was joined by Cavan Ladies footballer Donna English to officially launch its national Angels fundraising campaign.
The event took place in IWA’s Community Centre at Corlurgan Business Park, Cavan, and Donna kick-started the campaign by speaking about the importance of supporting the flagship fundraiser.
“The whole point of being here today is that the volunteers will be out this Thursday selling the Angel items at locations all over the county. Where-ever you see the volunteers selling these angels, please offer your support by purchasing one of the angel items. By doing that, you are supporting a good cause," she urged.
The beloved Angel pins and other Angel-themed products will be sold by volunteers across the county tomorrow (Thursday) and Friday, November 7-8.
Programme assistant at the centre and Angel campaign co-ordinator is Maura Cooney. She outlined to the Celt some of the programmes delivered at the centre every week for service users including arts and crafts, woodwork, mosaics, cooking, beauty therapy, relaxation and yoga to name a few
The IWA Angel fundraiser, she explained, will help provide those programmes and deliver a range of essential services to people with physical disabilities.
The Association provides a diverse range of services supporting people with disabilities in their personal development and community life at their community centre in Cavan.
Nationally, in 2018 alone, the IWA provided over 1.3 million hours of assisted living services to 2,246 adults and children across Ireland and almost 80,000 days of services in community centres nationwide. Its fleet of 119 buses provided people with disabilities with accessible transport throughout Ireland to connect them to their communities.
Ms Cooney explained the importance of the Angel appeal. “The Irish Wheelchair Associations Angel Appeal is our largest fundraiser of the year. Funds raised from our Angel’s Day campaign help us support people with physical disabilities within our community. We provide essential services to people with disabilities that facilitate independence, improves quality of life and supports them in accessing education, employment and participation in community life throughout Cavan."
She thanked Donna for her support. Ms Cooney said Donna had, for several years, volunteered in the local community.
“Volunteers will be selling Angel pins outside all Aldi stores and in all towns throughout Cavan. If you meet our volunteers, please purchase an angel pin or make a donation to ensure people with disabilities can enjoy equal rights, choices and opportunities and live their lives independently.”
To learn more about how you can get involved in Angel’s day please email angels@iwa.ie , visit www.iwa.ie/angels or contact Maura Cooney via email at Maura.cooney@iwa.ie or call 049-4371212.