The Ireland Fund has awarded €50,000 in grants to two organisation working with vulnerable and ill children in Galway.
The grants are strategically allocated as a quick response at a time of year when the challenges faced by those experiencing hardship are amplified. The funded organisations include COPE Galway and LauraLynn which will each receive €25,000 to support their work.
The two organisations in Galway provide essential services to children experiencing poverty, marginalisation, and difficult circumstances. Part of its Heart of the Community Fund, the grants highlight the desire of The Ireland Funds to address urgent needs in the community.
Caitriona Fottrell, President and CEO of The Ireland Funds said: "This grant round reflects The Ireland Funds’ commitment to helping those facing extraordinary challenges. Through philanthropy, we bridge resource gaps, partnering with exceptional organisations to address critical needs of people living in difficult situations. We are deeply appreciative of our donors whose generosity makes this response possible."
COPE Galway’s Family Service supports homeless families in Galway through emergency accommodation and developmental supports for children, addressing challenges like poor nutrition, health issues, and developmental delays. Many families face added burdens during winter, such as inadequate clothing and the financial strain of Christmas. €25,000 will fund vouchers to alleviate poverty, hardship, and social isolation for families in COPE Galway’s services.
LauraLynn is Ireland's only children's hospice, providing hospice care for children with life-limiting conditions and supporting their families. €25,000 will deliver music therapy services in the West and Midlands Hub based in Ballinasloe, and will reduce travel burdens, ensuring families receive personalised therapy in their own homes, avoiding the emotional, physical, and financial strain of traveling to Dublin.
Sharon Fitzpatrick, Head of Development at COPE Galway, said: “To see parents having to choose between buying a winter coat for their child or having enough money for food is beyond heart breaking. The provision of vital supports through the Heart of the Community Fund will ease distress and bring comfort to the 253 children in COPE Galway’s homeless families service this Christmas and into the New Year. Thank you to The Ireland Funds."
