Cope Foundation has partnered with Ireland’s Got Talent stars Sparkle for a unique online event on Saturday, April 4th to raise some much needed funds for this vital service.

One of the largest providers of services to people with intellectual disabilities and autism in Ireland, every day Cope Foundation supports 2,500 people across Cork city and county, with facilities locally in both Fermoy and Mitchelstown.

This group typically enjoys significant social interaction with people, either through their educational support, their work or in their residential accommodation.

Part of the community

Much of that interaction has had to cease as a result of the necessary restrictions to slow the spread of Covid -19.

Cope Foundation’s Chief Executive, Sean Abbott, says; “As a result of this crisis, the situation is especially difficult for people we support. Those in our residential centres cannot see their friends and families due to strict visitor restrictions; those at home are missing their friends they would usually see every day at our day centres; for many, the upset this is causing to their daily routine is very difficult to understand and accept.

“As an organisation, we are about being a part of the community – it is a huge part of the work we do. Now, the physical community is not accessible for people we support, so it is a very challenging time for people. This will be a great initiative to entertain, connect and raise some much-needed funds for this vital service.”

Sparkle made their debut TV appearance in 2019 on ‘Irelands got Talent’ receiving four ‘yeses’ from the judges and the band will now do a Facebook live concert this Saturday, 4th April at 6pm in aid of Cope Foundation.

The concert will be viewed in all Cope facilities and by people supported by Cope in their own homes. The wider community is also invited to join in the fun, and can support Cope Foundation by texting COPECORK to 50300, or donating through Facebook.

The concert will be available on https://www.facebook.com/sparkleband/