With the intention of raising much needed funds for community charitable causes, the Arcadia 5KFOR50K initiative was formally launched in recent times.
Incorporating a series of five 5km events to take place over a five weekend timeframe, the initiative seeks to raise much needed funds for ten charities operating within the Midlands region, participants being encouraged to virtually walk, run or cycle.
The virtual series commences in Westmeath on July 17/18 with the two focus charities on the inaugural weekend of virtual activity being St Hilda’s, Athlone and Good2Talk, Mullingar.
Speaking to the Athlone Advertiser this week, Fiachra McLoughlin, Arcadia Athlone, noted the need to support charitable causes during such unprecedented times.
“Fundraising for local charities has been decimated by the impact of COVID-19. Usual activities such as family runs, cake sales and other fundraising activities have ceased, while, in many cases, demand for services has increased.
“Our local charities do vital work in our communities, their staff and volunteers are stretched and they do not have access to national media campaigns. The Arcadia 5kFOR50K series aims to raise funds to help,” Fiachra emphasised.
Those who choose to support this fundraising initiative may do so by making a donation at gofundme.com/f/arcadia-5kfor50k with 100 percent of all monies accumulated afforded to the charitable causes. A €10 donation gives €1 to each local charity.
When the target figure of €50k is reached, fundraising initiative sponsors, Arcadia, will donate an additional €10,000.
Sports clubs and community organisations can also participate and enter their race times online. There will be raffle and spot prizes for supporters of the fundraising initiative also.