Supermac’s has raised over €500,000 for the charity Trócaire since the group of family restaurants started collections almost 30 years ago.
The figure was announced by Supermac’s MD, Pat McDonagh, at a fundraising night in the Loughrea Hotel and Spa. The money raised on the evening, from ticket sales and an auction, was combined with money raised in boxes from over 100 Supermac’s outlets throughout the year. The proceeds from the night came to €50,000 bringing the total Supermac’s contribution to the charity over the years to in excess of €500,000. In over 100 Supermac’s Family Restaurants around the country, canisters are placed at each till for counter collections.
“Both Una and I believe we can and should help where we can,” Pat McDonagh said. “We trust Trócaire and the approach they take. We know we are making a difference to the lives of ordinary people living in poverty and fear in Africa and beyond — mothers, fathers, children, grandparents. While things in Ireland have changed in recent years, we still live in a relatively safe country where basic human rights are respected and fulfilled. Others are not so fortunate.
“We are delighted to be supporting the Trocaire campaign again in 2017. We have teamed up with Trocaire as our partners to try an alleviate poverty where our assistance is most needed. The dedication of the Trocaire team to the cause is something myself and Úna have had experience of having visited Zimbabwe with them a couple of years ago and the money raised by Trocaire goes directly to those who need it most,” Mr McDonagh said.
Trocaire’s Executive Director, Éamonn Meehan says “Trócaire truly appreciates the support it receives from Pat and Una McDonagh, the McDonagh Family and Supermac’s Managers, staff and customers. For more than thirty years this support has helped to change the lives of people living in poverty and oppression in the developing world, as well as giving hope of a brighter future.”
The money raised by Supermac’s customers, staff and suppliers for Trócaire goes towards Trócaire’s work in Zimbabwe for water projects in Bulawayo and Masvingo and school projects. Pat, Una and their daughter Marie McDonagh visited Zimbabwe as part of Trócaire’s project overview and their son, John McDonagh and Paul Kennedy of The Galway Plaza visited Trócaire’s ongoing works in Guatemala.
