It’s a month since Typhoon Haiyan tore through the Philippine islands, affecting more than 12 million people and leaving entire communities without immediate access to food and medical care. The world’s media have moved on to other stories but many communities in the Philippines are still struggling to meet basic needs.  When Anne Mansfield approached The Grand Hotel and asked to help organise a coffee morning, they felt they could go one better and set about organising an appeal that could run every day up to Christmas. 

So, in conjunction with Fermoy Gardaí and Fermoy Neighbourhood Watch, they’ve organised a number of special offers based around teas and coffees, available every day at a small cost, right up to Christmas. For every special that’s purchased they will donate 20% of the price. In addition, they have an appeal box at the bar counter so people can make a donation when they are in The Grand Hotel. They’re hoping that, in addition to their regular customers, people coming to town to shop might spare a few minutes to pop into the hotel and relax and soak up the Christmas atmosphere, enjoying a break in the knowledge that they are contributing to those in the Philippines and letting them know they haven’t been forgotten this Christmas. 

Ann Mansfield of the Fermoy Neighbourhood Watch told The Avondhu: “I was delighted with the response of Joe and Cliona to my enquiry. I hope that the good citizens and patrons of Fermoy will call in to The Grand Hotel and contribute to this great initiative. This scheme will hopefully aid families in putting roofs over their heads and rebuilding people’s lives.”

Community Garda Kathryn Canty said there has already been a great response from the people of Fermoy to various fundraising events throughout the town. “We hope to complement those great efforts and contributions. With all the hustle and bustle around the Christmas period, this will be a chance to give and a chance to unwind for a few minutes, and all for a great cause.”

Sergeant Andrew Geary said the people of the Philippines have made a great contribution to Irish Society and to our local community in Fermoy.

“It is therefore important to give something back. Filipinos in Ireland have made great contributions in the healthcare sector, in tourism and information technology sectors. There has always been a connection between our two countries, through Catholic missionaries etc. The North Cork area is home to a number of people from the Philippines and it is important to demonstrate our empathy and make efforts to aid them in their time of need.”

All the money raised through this appeal will go directly to the village of Balombon, which has a population of over 20,000 people. Cllr Noel McCarthy said he loves the idea of twinning Fermoy, in order to ensure every cent raised goes directly to those worst affected. He also commended the great work of his colleague, Cllr Noel Barnes in fundraising for the Philippines.

Mayor of Fermoy Olive Corcoran, praised the great generosity of the people of Fermoy saying: “The truly amazing contributions already made in Fermoy demonstrate the amazing community spirit that has helped this town throughout its history”

Father Aquin Casey, Fermoy Parish Administrator also extended his thanks to the people of Fermoy, saying that as members of our congregation are from Balombon, he would ‘be privileged’ to be associated with this initiative.