'No longer fit for purpose': Calls for donations to help families in Cork
Enable Ireland is building a state-of-the-art children’s service centre and respite house for children with disabilities in Cork.
Since launching their ambitious fundraising drive in 2016, the charity has received significant support from the people and businesses in the area.
However, from an original target of €7.5million, the organisation still needs to raise €1.75million to make this much-needed children's centre a reality.
Miriam Lotty, whose son TJ attends Enable Ireland, is supporting the campaign to raise the necessary funds to finish this vital centre.
"Like every other parent, I want the best of everything for my child," she said.
"That includes getting the best services in the best facilities possible. Children and their families deserve nothing less and we know that we will get this when this new centre is completed. TJ especially loves the freedom in the pool, he can’t wait for the new centre."
Building began on-site on 26th October 2017, and once it is completed Murnane O’Shea Group will have laid 10,000km of cables, the equivalent of laying cable from Cork to New York and back again!
Every day there are 45 people employed on site, all working hard to make this dream a reality.
The new centre will house a hydrotherapy pool, designated treatment rooms and sensory rooms to accommodate the needs of children with disabilities. The development will also accommodate a new respite house for children, so urgently needed in Cork.
"Today, we provide vital therapy and support services to 670 children and young people with disabilities from the Lavanagh centre in Ballintemple, this building is no longer fit for purpose for children with disabilities," Donnacha Geary, Children’s Services Manager, said when talking about the incredible work Enable Ireland does.
"The people of Cork are extremely generous and we know they will come out in force to help us finish our new state of the art centre."
Enable Ireland currently has five service locations in Cork – a children’s service at the Lavanagh Centre, an adult service centre in Little Island, a hub for adults in Carrigaline, a respite house in Ladysbridge and a residential home in Blackrock, to support independent community living for adults with disabilities.
There are also two Enable Ireland charity shops in Cork, on Oliver Plunkett Street and North Main Street. Profits from the shops support Enable Ireland disability services.
Anyone can show their support by texting ‘corkness’ to 50300 to donate €4 to help finish the new centre next year. (Texts costs €4; Enable Ireland will receive a minimum of €3.60. Service Provider: LIKECHARITY. Helpline: 076 6805278).