Paws for a Cause: canal walk in support of Family Carers Ireland
Leinster and Irish rugby star Ryan Baird is a new ambassador for Family Carers Ireland and he is urging people to get active and walk, jog or run 24km in seven days while raising funds for the charity.
‘Paws for a Cause’ is a national fundraising drive taking place during National Carers Week, June 13-19.
Ryan and Family Carers Ireland are asking people in Mullingar to walk or run 24k over seven days – with or without their furry friends – in solidarity with Ireland’s 500,000 family carers and in recognition of the 24/7 nature of many caring roles.
All funds raised by ‘Paws for a Cause’ will go to help provide supports such as counselling, respite and emotional support as well as the purchase of practical support items including hoists, wheelchairs and in some particularly difficult cases, putting food on tables and oil in heating tanks.
Ryan Baird said: “I’m delighted to support Family Carers Ireland – I have a great admiration for the work they do across the country. I have seen first-hand from my aunt and her family the dedication, commitment and sacrifice they make to take care of my cousin on a daily basis.
“This, for me, is a simple and fun challenge to show how easy it can be to raise funds for a great charity that does incredible work. I am appealing to everyone to get behind this great cause. Whether you have a dog or not, sign up and participate.”
Paul Farrell, Longford/Westmeath Carer Support manager with Family Carers Ireland, said: “With more families than ever relying on Family Carers Ireland for support, this fundraiser couldn’t come at a better time. We are seeing unprecedented levels of stress and financial worries piled on family carers.
“All of us at Family Carers Ireland are delighted to have an ambassador like Ryan, who is willing to go the extra mile and help us raise funds and awareness. We want to encourage everyone across Ireland to enjoy the benefits of exercise, while raising money and ultimately having a bit of fun!”
MULLINGAR WALK
The local event is on Monday June 13 at 11am, starting from the car park near the Ballymahon Road roundabout opposite The Moorings housing estate.
Register for the event at familycarers.ie. Registration is €10 and includes a T-shirt.
No dog? No problem! Join in anyway.
About Family Carers Ireland
Family Carers Ireland is the national charity supporting the 500,000+ family carers across the country who care for loved ones such as children or adults with additional needs, physical or intellectual disabilities, frail older people, those with palliative care needs or those living with chronic illnesses, mental ill-health, or addiction.
It provides a range of services and supports for family carers through its Carer Support Centres nationwide and through its National Freephone Careline 1800 24 07 24.