Two Galway city restaurants will host a ‘Wall of Inspiration’ on their premises, where people can buy a brick on which to write a special message to a person who has inspired them in their life, and in the process raise money for charity.
56 Central on Shop Street, and 37 West on Newcastle Road, are hosting a ‘Wall of Inspiration’ each, with the wall being an opportunity for Galwegians to publicly honour a person who has had an impact on their life, be it a family member, friend, teacher, or someone famous. The initiative aims to raise awareness of Foróige’s BBBS programme and donations will go directly to supporting young people and ensuring the sustainability and growth of their friendship.
Foróige’s BBBS programme is an internationally renowned youth mentoring programme that matches a young person, who will benefit from extra support, with a caring adult volunteer. It is proven through research that matching young people with a caring adult volunteer can assist a young person in reaching their full potential in life.
According to Gill Carroll, owner of 56 Central and 37 West, becoming a Big Sister for five years, was "the most inspiring thing I have ever done in my life". She added: "Young people in Ireland need strong supportive role models in their lives, BBBS provided me with the opportunity to do this, and now I would like to thank them for all they have done by organising this great event to keep the energy and inspiration flowing in BBBS mentoring relationships nationally”.
Mary Lynch of BBBS said: “In 2009 we hosted a national event that participants found truly heartening. However, due to cutbacks in funding, we have been unable to host a national event in six years. The ‘Wall of Inspiration’ will help us raise the necessary funds to provide a unique opportunity for the young people to connect with other participants nationally and reinforce their own relationship with their Big Brother or Sister."
The BBBS programme is always seeking new volunteers. For more information see www.foroige.ie/bbbs
