It is all systems go at Kavanagh's SuperValu as staff, customers, and community from their four Mayo stores gear up and get ready to take on their most challenging fundraising venture yet. 'Hop up 4 Hospice' is a cycle challenge across Mayo on September 14 as part of the 'Help us to Help Others Campaign' for Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation.
Following on from last year’s achievement in raising €60,000 for the hospice, this year the staff are aiming to raise €100,000 specifically to buy a site for the foundation’s new specialist palliative care unit to be built in Castlebar, County Mayo. Mayo is one of the few counties that does not have a dedicated hospice care unit making this a hugely deserving cause very dear to everyone's heart.
Calling all elite, novice, and leisure cyclists, the ‘Hop up 4 Hospice' cycle challenge starts at 10am on Saturday September 14 in Westport and offers a beginner’s 45km route and an advanced 110km route. Speaking at the launch of the event Noreen Coyne, Kavanagh's group HR manager, said: “With only weeks to go we are preparing physically and mentally for the challenge ahead. It will be a great day for a great cause and we are delighted to welcome cyclists from all parts of the country to come along and join us, taking in the beautiful Mayo scenery while raising funds for such a worthy cause.”
Alongside a busy calendar of novel fundraising events that will be carried out throughout the four Kavanagh's SuperValu Mayo stores – Castlebar, Claremorris, Kiltimagh and O’Connors Westport - the Kavanagh Group will make a donation to Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation with every Real Rewards swipe by customers.
The event has the support of Mayo Man KC, from Today FM. The presenter is hoping to be there on the day and get on his bike for hospice. Lorraine Toner, development officer in Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, stated: “We deeply appreciate the support we are getting and we have a long way to go in raising the massive funds needed to build our new facilities in both counties. We are really looking forward to this event and hope that people use it as an opportunity to cycle in the west while also supporting a great cause.”
You can register now for ‘Hop up 4 Hospice’ online at www.hopup4hospice.ie The registration fee of €60 can be raised through sponsorship or paid online. For more information ask in-store at Kavanagh’s SuperValu Castlebar, Westport, Claremorris, or Kiltimagh, telephone Kavanagh Group on 098 51333 or Lorraine Toner, Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation on 094 938 8666. See Hop up 4 Hospice on facebook.
