ÁIRC, which was set up in 2009 is an umbrella organisation set up by parents of children with disabilities in order to support children with disabilities in Mayo through financial and emotional support.
Angela Locke-Reilly, treasure of the group, spoke to the Mayo Advertiser this week and explained more about the great work that the charity provides. Angela, from Westport, became involved after her son Jacob, now three and a half years old, was born with Down Syndrome, Autism and also suffers from a heart condition. Angela, alongside two other parents, established the group initially to fundraise. The organisation developed as other parents groups, who had similar aims , joined together, therefore providing ÁIRC—a comprehensive support network for children with disabilities up to the age of 18, or for those leaving second level education.
ÁIRC meets on the first Monday of every month in Breaffy House Resort. Angels explains that Breaffy hotel recently approached them and kindly offered them the use of the hotel. There are currently eight members on the committee and hundreds of families in the county have been facilitated by ÁIRC.
The organisation was officially launched in July and she explained that the organisation try to continuously fundraise as much as possible due to the fact that ÁIRC only receive small grants such as some Lotto funding. ÁIRC are currently trying to fundraise €100,000 for equipment for a sensory room for children which the HSE has provided. ÁIRC also provide respite grants and subside equipment which disabled children may require. This large scale fundraising is to kick off with an event at Christmas which Angela says “will catch everyone attention.” This event is a Festive Feast which will take place at Breaffy House Hotel on December 9.
Then night kicks off at 8pm, where you will be welcomed by a string quartet and dazzled by fire spinners and Irish dancers from the award winning Cresham School of Dance. The festive feasting begins with a chocolate fountain and a mountain of exotic fruits to dip. Start the celebratory mood with complimentary sparkling wine on your arrival. Your nights entertainment continues with live band the Brose Walsh and you can then dance the night away with DJ Lorcan Cawe. A sumptuous buffet style dinner and array of deserts will fulfil your appetite and there will be having a fabulous raffle and surprises to give away throughout the night!
Tickets only €25 each. Overnight accommodation for ticket holders is a mere €25 per person sharing.
