Oranmore software company, Channel Mechanics were delighted to have Cancer Care West visit the office for a presentation to the charity of €10,801. The presentation cheque being the result of a Channel Mechanics Charity fundraiser which saw the company clock up just over 4,050 kms along with their “Donate a Day” event.
Having initially set a target to raise €2,020 in aid of Cancer Care West, the team blew this out of the water by ultimately raising €10,801. By joining forces with the ITAG Skillnet #20kYourWay challenge, the company asked colleagues to pledge to walk, run, cycle or swim a combined target of 3,000km. In the end, the charity team clocked up a grand total of 4,051kms. Not a bad result when the couch is calling on a cold and wet winters night.
“We chose Cancer Care West as our charity of choice for 2020 because not only are they a local charity, but they provide a vital and caring service to the community…making a real difference in the lives of those affected by cancer. Unfortunately, most families know someone who has been affected by cancer, so this was close to all our heart, said Tom Maguire, Charity Team Committee.
As a small team, the company initially set what they thought was a realistic target. However, as a company, they felt they could do better. At which point company CEO, Kenneth Fox, suggested “Donate a Day”, whereby employees could volunteer to give up a day’s holiday to the charity. By doing so, employees would donate their salary for a day to the charity. To add a little encouragement/incentive, the company donated an additional €200 for each day the team donated. The result being a cheque for €10,801 and some very tired limbs.
“As well as the charitable aspect of the event, the team found the fundraiser brought everyone together outside of work…something critically important as we all embraced working from home during the pandemic. We had lots of fun through the WhatsApp group with online banter, novel photos, and encouragement. Not to mention improving our general fitness! We also experienced the kindness and generosity of friends, family and customers when being asked to contribute to our fundraiser in such a difficult year,” said Brian O’Higgins, Charity Team Committee
Orla Cunniffe, Community Fundraiser, Cancer Care West said they are hugely grateful to all the staff in Channel Mechanics for their generous support of Cancer Care West through their fundraising initiative.
“They raised a fantastic amount and these funds will go directly towards helping meet the costs of residential and cancer support services at Cancer Care West, which are provided free of charge to cancer patients and their families. People in our community are affected by cancer every day, directly or indirectly through a loved one.
“At Cancer Care West our vision is that no-one should have to go through a cancer experience alone. And everything we do has this vision in mind. Without people like the staff of Channel Mechanics, we simply couldn’t do what we do, so we are so grateful for their support,” she said.
“We’re truly delighted with the funds we raised and know that Cancer Care West will be putting the money to great use. We wish everyone involved with Cancer Care West a Happy and Peaceful Christmas and look forward to popping in to see them when things return to normal,” added Mr O’Higgins.
