Country star to perform at charity coffee morning
A coffee morning with a difference is happening in Mullingar this Saturday March 8.
Not only is the event taking place in an unusual venue, the Sleator Kia Showrooms in Lough Sheever Corporate Park (N91WD8K), but entertainment will be provided by none other than Robert Mizzell, one of the most popular country and western artists in the country.
The coffee morning is a fundraiser for the Mullingar based humanitarian organisation Tanzanian Heavenly Homes, which was founded by well-known local photographer John McCauley after he returned from a visit to the African country in 2013.
Thanks to the generosity of the people of Westmeath and the volunteers who travel with John when he makes his annual trip to Tanzania, the quality of life of dozens of people in the village of Mto Wa Mbu has improved significantly.
John and his colleagues in Ireland and Tanzania started by upgrading the local orphanage in Mto Wa Mbu and providing the funds for the orphans to have second and third level education.
They have since moved on to providing housing for some of the poorest of the elderly people in that area.
John said: “Only for the kind donations from people here in Ireland, none of this would have happened.
“We have 16 elderly people living in lovely accommodation, with three meals a day. They have lovely clean beds and a hot shower.
“They [people in Mullingar who have supported the charity] have made such a difference to the lives of the people in Mto Wa Mbu – me and friends are just couriers. I can’t thank people enough for their ongoing support.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s coffee morning, John thanked Kia Sleator for hosting the event - Carmel Byrne a member of staff at the showroom is returning to Tanzania this summer with John and his team after being deeply moved by her maiden trip in 2024.
John also thanked Robert Mizzell, as well as the team of volunteers who will ensure that everything runs smoothly on Saturday.
"It should be a great event. It’s not too often that you get to hear a singer as talented as Robert perform when you are enjoying a cup of team and a cream bun,” John says.
The event runs from 11am to 1.30pm. For more information on the Tanzanian Heavenly Homes see tanzanianheavenlyhomes.com.