A County Galway man living in America hopes to raise $20,000 for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind by organising a fundraising dinner in New York, next month.
Kevin Kennedy from Dunmore has been living in the Big Apple for almost 50 years but still maintains strong links with this native country.
A tireless fundraiser for the charity for the past 20 years he will hold his annual dinner at Rory Dolan’s in Yonkers, New York on Sunday, October 23.
Mr Kennedy, who visits Dunmore every year, heads the organisation’s New York branch, supporting it through fundraising and creating awareness of the important work being done for people who are vision impaired as well as families of children with autism in Ireland.
He first became involved after meeting the late Paul Higgins, a guide dog owner who lived in Claddagh and who inspired many with his courage and determination.
Mr Kennedy recognised there were many Irish diaspora living in New York who would be willing to help people from their home place get a guide dog and have the opportunity of a better life. To date, the New York branch has raised more than €250,000 for the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and will add to that total with this year’s big event.
The New York man’s dedication to the Irish Guide Dogs is matched by Moycullen man Frank Downes, a volunteer for 30 years with the organisation in Galway. Both men have built up a strong friendship and get together when Mr Kennedy visits Galway each year. They credit the late Paul Higgins as being the inspiration for their commitment to the charity.
Padraig Mallon, the chief executive of Irish Guide Dogs who is originally from Milltown, says it is wonderful to have such “great support” in New York.
“It is even better when it is coming from a fellow Galway man who is so enthusiastic about helping people to fully participate in society. People like Kevin and Frank Downes are what make Irish Guide Dogs such a great organisation. It is their willingness as volunteers to work so hard and to dedicate themselves to helping others which makes it possible for us in turn to help change people lives for the better.”
Mr Mallon is urging people who have friends or family in New York to attend the fundraising dinner.
“It will be a great chance to meet fellow Irish living in New York and to help such a worthy cause back home in Ireland.”
