The annual Tree of Remembrance Appeal by Athlone Rotary Club enjoyed its most successful fundraising year to date at Christmas.
In the lead up to Christmas an amazing €14,330 was raised from on street and church collections and a Go Fund Me page which proved to be a very successful additional source of donations and enabled a wealth of online contributions.
The funds raised were donated to three worthy charities – St. Hilda’s School, Athlone Sub-Aqua Search and Rescue Club (both receiving €6,000 each ), with €2,330 going to Rotary charities, many of which are local. As always Athlone Rotarians are proud that no expenses are taken from the money raised.
Pat Ryan President of the Athlone Rotary Club expressed his gratitude to all those who donated to this annual charitable cause.
“We are thrilled with the great support from all the people in and around Athlone especially during these very challenging times. Without their generous donations we wouldn’t achieve the success we do. We are also very grateful for the continued support of members of the Athlone Rotary Club and the charity volunteers who gave their valuable time, Athlone Town Council for their assistance in relation to the Christmas Tree at the Civic Centre and all the businesses, Athlone Towncentre, Dunnes Irishtown, Applegreen, SuperValu Monksland, Supervalu Ballymahon ROAd and Kilmartins N6, which facilitated our collection points," Mr Ryan stated.
The Remembrance Tree Appeal has been a regular feature in Athlone over the past 12 years and to date, has raised over €120,000 for local charities. The club wishes to acknowledge the enormous contribution of Rotarian, Philip McGorisk and his team John Fagan, Sean O’Laoide, Aisha Chaudhry, and all members who made the fundraiser a success.
Rotary Club members were much encouraged by the support and understanding of the people of Athlone, with many saying they appreciated the club’s efforts in keeping the project alive, as not only does it raise much needed funds for local charities but also helps to remember loved ones, whilst bringing the community together.
The Rotary Club of Athlone was established in 1985, and meets on a regular basis. Anyone interested in finding out more about Athlone Rotary Club, and volunteering to help with various community and charitable projects, or thinking of becoming a member should contact Ivan Merrick at [email protected].
