Geraldine's Skincare Clinic’s fundraising campaign in aid of the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre was launched last Friday night in Westport Leisure Park and proprietor Geraldine Greenan is aiming to raise €40,000 this year in aid of the charity.
Greenan, a survivor herself of child abuse, organised the event along with Ger Ryan, of Positive Event Management. In attendance on the night were Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Blackie Gavin, Lisa Chambers TD and councillors Teresa McGuire and Brendan Mulroy, along with Fine Gael general election candidate, Alan Dillon, and local election hopefuls Austin Francis O’Malley, Frank McAlonan and Chris Maxwell.
Councillor Gavin and Councillor McGuire both made speeches commending Geraldine’s work organising this fundraising for the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre. Geraldine herself spoke of the focus of the campaign, which is to raise awareness and prevent the incidences of child abuse and rape.
Director of Services at the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre, Loreta McDonagh, spoke about the charity and the difficulties which the much-needed service encountered. The Mayo Rape Crisis Centre is in operation 25 years and yet a lot of areas in the county cannot easily access the services and support, due to a shortage of funding.
The message was clear however, anyone who needs to access the services, will be attended to. It is a vitally important support service, and both men and women will seek the services of these types of non-governmental organisations across the county.
McDonagh then spoke about the importance of the government becoming more in touch with rural counties such as Mayo in terms of making these crucially vital services easier to access for victims, male or female, of any type of sexual violence.
Greenan spoke about her upcoming fundraising efforts in aid of the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre for the year, which starts with the Ladies mini marathon on Sunday, May 5 in Castlebar. Geraldine is looking for additional lady runners/walkers to register before April 26 to take part in the mini marathon. If interested, contact Geraldine on (087 ) 9781085 to collect a sponsorship card and further information.
Geraldine hopes to raise €40k for the Mayo Rape Crisis Centre and the launch at the Leisure Centre on Friday night made for a good start in her endeavours. All in attendance wished Geraldine the very best of luck in fundraising for this important charity and in the upcoming marathon.
