On the tenth anniversary of the death of Manuela Riedo, The Manuela Riedo Foundation Ireland (MRFI ) is seeking 1000 participants raising €100 each for Team Manuela to leave a lasting legacy through the ongoing Manuela Programme and ancillary agency funding by joining the team to walk or run the Galway Bay 10k on October 7 this year.
This will be the largest fundraising campaign that the Foundation has undertaken and will supplement monies raised thus far towards maintaining funded projects, services and counseling that are so vital in providing support to the victims and survivors of sexual assault and rape in Ireland.
The Foundation has raised a cumulative €290,000 since its inception in 2009 and is now redoubling its efforts to continue to support the heroic efforts of agencies such as the Galway Rape Crisis Centre (GRCC ), the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre( MRCC ), Rape Crisis North East, Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI ) and the Sexual Assault Treatment Unit (SATU ) at the Rotunda Hospital in Dublin.
Working with the Department of Education and Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, the funding will also ensure continuing development and piloting of a sexual violence prevention and education Manuela Programme initiated in 2015 and aimed at transition year students.
Another key target of the Foundation is to clear the long-term waiting list at the Galway Rape Crisis Centre, its first agency partner, which currently has 22 clients on its list with a waiting time of four months. This additional funding will enable the GRCC to shorten waiting times thereby making a significant difference to clients’ lives.
The MRFI is a 100 per cent voluntary organization that provides support and funding in Ireland to agencies working in the areas of education, awareness, prevention and healing of victims of rape and sexual assault. Manuela’s parents Arlette and Hans Peter continue to serve as patrons of the Manuela Riedo Foundation Ireland and are fully engaged and supportive of the work of the Foundation.
“You can assist our efforts greatly by logging onto the race link and signing up to raise €100 sponsorship as a member of Team Manuela. If another 999 like-minded souls match your generosity we will be well on our way to our funding target of €100,000 which will allow us to continue to support this vital work in the years ahead. Galway Bay on October 7 will be the final team event,” said a spokesperson.
If you would like to be involved with this significant final MRFI event you can register today to walk or run the 10km, half marathon or full marathon along the beautiful Galway Prom with Team Manuela. Registration is now open at www.manuelariedo.com/register
