A major fundraiser will be held for the Galway Rape Crisis Centre which has experienced a huge increase in demand for its services.
A Night at the Dogs will take place during the Galway Race Festival on Wednesday July 29 in aid of the centre which has this week revealed a 20 per cent increase in demand over the past year.
The centre, which provides counselling and support services to survivors of sexual violence and abuse in the west of Ireland, says more than 3,600 calls were logged to its dedicated Helpline last year, representing an average of more than 10 calls a day.
According to its annual report, more than 3,000 one to one counselling sessions were provided to victims, along with legal clinics and specialised education and training services to the general public.
Aine Feeney, the GRCC's executive director, says the continuous increase in demand for its services is placing additional strain on its existing resources.
"It’s an unfortunate fact there is such a demand for the GRCC services, but our focus is firmly on meeting this demand by increasing funding to allow for more councillors to be available to victims.”
The announcement was made at the launch of its upcoming fundraiser, ‘A Night at the Dogs’, by the Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald.
All money raised will go directly towards supporting its services. Tickets cost €10 and include track admission, race programme, and a full evening of greyhound racing, with live music and entertainment.There will also be a prize for the Best Dressed Lady and Most Stylish Couple.
Tickets are available directly from the GRCC, telephone 085 2462959, or on Eventbrite by searching “GRCC Night at the Dogs”/https://www.eventbrite.com/e/grcc-night-at-the-dogs-tickets-17064916625.
For further details visit www.galwayrcc.org or call the Helpline on 1800 355 355. Alternatively, follow Galway RCC on Facebook or Twitter.
