Staff of the Kavanagh Group in Mayo, with SuperValu stores in Castlebar, Claremorris, Kiltimagh and Westport, recently celebrated the huge feat of raising €50,000 for Western Care. The money, raised in recognition of the charity’s fiftieth anniversary, will be used in each of the store’s four localities.
Energy-fuelled fundraisers over the last year included a 50km and 100km cycle, as well as sponsored walks and in-store raffles. A wonderful food demonstration was also held before Christmas in Breaffy House Hotel. ‘A Foodie Affair’, held with renowned celebrity chef Kevin Dundon, showcased the best of SuperValu’s local produce from local suppliers, such as Jack & Eddies, Kelly’s of Newport and Cabots of Westport. The event was a huge success, attracting over 800 attendees and raising almost €15,000 on the night.
Speaking at the cheque presentation, Noel Kavanagh, Chairman of the Kavanagh Group, paid tribute to the local communities for their contributions. “Without their generosity, we would not be here today handing over a cheque for €50,000,” he said. “It’s astonishing. Our customers participated in every event, and for that we are so grateful. When it came to supporting Western Care and once they were made aware that these funds stay in the county helping the most vulnerable within our community, they were certainly not found wanting. All involved should be very proud,” he added.
Teresa Ward of Western Care said: “We are massively grateful to the management and staff of all four stores and are so aware of the time and effort everyone put into reaching this tremendous target. I first approached Noel and his team about becoming their charity of choice on this our 50th anniversary just over a year ago, and I must say that they had no hesitation in giving us their instant backing. “I found each of the management and staff of the respective stores to be hugely professional and passionate about reaching this target, indeed a lot of the work was done in their own spare time. Little did I realise that one year on we’d be standing here today receiving a donation of €50,000.”
The donation to Western Care brings to €150,000 the total amount fundraised by Kavanagh’s stores in Mayo for local charities in the last couple of years.
The group previously raised €100,000 for the Mayo/Roscommon Hospice, which enabled the purchase of the site of the new Hospice Care Facility in Knockaphunta, Castlebar. “We pride ourselves on being local and in particular, supporting local where we can, be it in terms of local suppliers with their local produce or our local charities,” explained Noel Kavanagh. “We have been delighted to work with Western Care this year in a very important year for them, and I am extremely proud of the contribution our staff and customers have made to both them and indeed the hospice, two of the biggest and most important charities in Mayo.”
The Mayo News
