A tea-party for Alzheimer’s

A vintage tea party for the Cavan Branch of the Alzheimer Society has raised €2200.

Hosted in June at the home of Joe and Nan Smith in New Inn, Nan estimated that near one hundred people came between 1:30pm and 11pm that night, when she finished baking, serving, cleaning and most importantly chatting.

The couple were thrilled with the day and presented the cheque to Carole Beattie, who is the chairperson of the Cavan branch of the Alzheimer Society of Ireland, on Monday June 17.

Carers, loved ones of those with Alzheimer’s, friends and neighbours came out on the day to support. Donations were voluntary, proving the communities’ kindness with the amount raised.

Days later, Nan said people were still dropping donations in the letterbox.

“It was a fantastic day,” she beamed, describing the weather and the event itself.

“You wouldn’t find the day going, it goes from one person to another and at several stages of the day it was just full of people talking, which was great.”

Presenting the money and knowing that it will be used locally brought great joy to the couple. Carole informed them it would be used to construct a magic table to help with activities in the Daycare Service in the Sullivan Centre.

“She always has a plan for it, it’s not as if it’s going into a big pit and being pulled out of.

“They always have plans and they’re always doing things for the clients, which is great.”

The association is close to Nan’s heart. Her mother, who passed away 19 years ago, had Alzheimers. She wanted to raise money for the association locally and has held the annual tea party for the last 19 years.

She said “a lot of carers and a lot of people who had a relation with Alzheimers” came on the day, as well as people who also wanted to support the association.

“Despite the fact that all of those carers are giving every day, they were so glad to come and give money back.

“It was great to see it,” said a delighted Nan.