Curiosity (the shop ) in Westport kept the good side out during the trying times of 2020 to still raise funds for a number of local groups and charities, despite their doors being closed for long periods.
The organisations and charities that have benefitted from the funds raised by Curiosity are: Multiple sclerosis Ireland, Westport Lions Club, Westport Family and Community Resource Centre, Westport St Vincent de Paul, Irish Wheelchair Association, Mayo Animal Welfare and Mayo Rape Crisis Centre.
A spokesperson for Curiosity said: "Well, what a year 2020 was. But there’s only one way to say goodbye to such a year and that’s with some good news; and the good news is, that in spite of being closed for all the lockdowns, with your fantastic support we have yet again been able to donate to seven local charities.
"It’s been a tough year for all the charities we support and many have seen income from other sources like fund raising etc drop due to Covid restrictions. So it makes us extremely proud and humble that we have been able to achieve this."
Westport Lions Club Service Chairperson, Maggie McGing, said she was 'really deeply moved and touched by the donation to the Club, given that the shop was closed for five months in 2020’.
The Curiosity President Kevin Brown said:"It been a difficult year for all charities, It’s a true reflection on the spirit of the town, that the rising tide lifts all boats."
He added: "A massive thank you to everyone who has helped make this possible. With a special thanks to the team here who have worked like trojans."
