Smithwick’s congratulated the Kilkenny Network on their highly successful recent fundraising effort at an event in the Kilkenny Ormonde Hotel last Friday, December 10.
Throughout the year, Smithwick’s, Diageo and staff at the St Francis Abbey Brewery have donated over €36,000 to many local charities and groups in Kilkenny. As part of this effort, Smithwick’s donated €500 to the Kilkenny Network.
Earlier this year Smithwick’s donated a total of €5,000 to 20 local groups as part of the celebrations to mark the tercentenary of Smithwick’s in Kilkenny. These groups included St Vincent de Paul, the Wheelchair Association, and the Carers Association.
Ian Hamilton, Smithwick’s Operations Manager, commented, “As part of the Smithwick’s 300 celebrations all of us at the St Francis Abbey Brewery were delighted to be able to support a large number of local groups and charities in Kilkenny City and County.”
Diageo also runs the ‘Double Your Fundraising’ scheme, which doubles the money raised by their employees. This year Smithwick’s staff raised more than €12,000 which Diageo matched, totalling more than €24,000.
In September, Diageo’s ‘Gifted’ also awarded the O’Neill Centre and the SPA Development Association with an award of €5,000 and €1,000 respectively.
Most recently, the St Francis Abbey Brewery Carol Singers promised to double the public donations made following their recent choir singing event in aid of Butts Neighbourhood Centre.
Eamon De Burca, Sales Manager with Diageo Ireland, commented, “Diageo is anxious to support local community groups and to also encourage the volunteering efforts of our employees and I would like to congratulate the efforts of the Smithwick’s team in 2010.
”Gifted will run again in 2011, and we are looking forward to seeing what local groups will be nominated for support when the programme opens for applications again next year,” added Mr De Burca.
