A number of local charitable and volunteer groups will share €50,500 as the calendar year reaches its conclusion, the proceeds from defendant contributions to the district courts ‘poor box’ during 2020.
Presiding Judge, Seamus Hughes, permits contributions to ‘poor box’ by persons who have been prosecuted for the possession of small amounts of illicit drugs such as cannabis and since his appointment, in 2011, to serve the district courts in Athlone, Mullingar and Longford, in excess of €2.25 million has been made available through the ‘poor box’ to worthy organisations and causes.
Esker House is the major beneficiary from ‘poor box’ contributions, the women’s refuge and support service receiving €20,000.
The ALF Project, which provides support services for young people, is to avail of €10,000, while the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Independent People with Disabilities Ltd, the Irish Pilgrimage Trust, St Colmcille’s Sports Park Ltd., Midlands Simon Community and Athlone Tidy Towns will benefit from donations of €2,000 each.
The Summerhill Autism Unit will be afforded €3,500 with a further €3,000 granted to the Athlone Drug Awareness Group with both the Athlone Tri Club and Irish Girl Guides (Athlone ) to receive €1,000 each.
