Staff at Castlebar Credit Union are swapping balance sheets and accounts for sequins and dance shoes in their most ambitious fundraiser to date.
Nine brave couples, including seven credit union staff members, have signed up to take part in a Strictly Come Dancing show to raise funds for St Anthony’s Special School and local cancer support service Rock Rose House.
Speaking at the official launch of the fundraiser, Majella Mulchrone, from the credit union, said staff organise a charity event every year and they are excited to this year to be putting on the dance extravaganza for two very worthy local charities.
“We know the great work that is being done at St Anthony’s and they are crying out for funding,” she explained. “They will use the money to buy a play swing which is wheelchair accessible. These swings can cost up to €10,000 so we want to help to make this happen.
“We choose Rock Rose House because, like so many workplaces, many of our staff members have been affected by cancer in some way and Rock Rose House provides a wonderful support service, not just for the individual but for their family members too.”
Padhraic Barrett, manager of services at Rock Rose House, said the cancer support service, which last year assisted 815 individuals, cost €250,000 to run every year.
“Fundraisers like this are vital to keep that going,” he added. “We are thrilled and delighted with this support.”
Noelle Murphy from St Anthony’s School said the swing will make a big difference.
“It will mean children in wheelchairs will be able to join in and enjoy the fun at playtime,” she explained.
Choreographer Jason Guthrie, who has worked for many years with Castlebar Pantomime, will put the dance couples through their paces in a rigorous training schedule over the next nine weeks.
The participating couples are: Fiona Byrnes, St. Anthony’s School and Des Carey, Bosh, dancing the waltz; Carmel Hughes, Castlebar Credit Union, and James Murray, Murry Ambulance, dancing the paso doble; Anna Keane, Castebar Credit Union, and Stephen Moran, Dunnes Stores, dancing the salsa; Karen McHale, Mayo General Hospital, and Gavin Beetlestone, GMIT, dancing the rumba; Majella Mulchrone, Castlebar Credit Union, and Pat Egan, Hastings, dancing the waltz; Patricia Reddington, GMIT, and Justin Guthrie, Castlebar Credit Union, dancing the jive; Elaina Gallagher, St. Anthony’s School, and Ray Moran, Penney’s, dancing the tango; Grace Lynch and Kevin Flynn, both Castlebar Credit Union, dancing the cha cha; and Paula Murphy, Castlebar Credit Union, and Darren Flynn, An Post, dancing the foxtrot.
Breaffy House Resort is the main sponsor of the event, which takes place on April 26.
Tickets, sponsored by Cashin Print, cost €10, and are on sale now from Castlebar Credit Union, St Anthony’s School, and Rock Rose House.
