Irish Wheelchair Association’s (IWA) Annual Fundraising Day is taking place across Ireland next Thursday, September 24th.
Members, staff and volunteers will be hitting the streets collecting vital funds for the supports and activities IWA provides in Cork and across the country.
IWA has a strong presence in Cork, with centres in Cork City, Mallow and Clonakilty, providing a range of education, social, recreation and personal development opportunities for people with disabilities.
Ann Griffin can’t imagine life without IWA having joined 19 years ago when she got MS.
“I was at home a lot of the time, so it was an outlet. I never thought I would be with IWA for 12 months never mind 19 years later,” she joked.
“I go to the centre in Mallow two days a week. It’s lovely to be with your friends. We do a lot of different activities.”
Her fellow Mallow IWA member, Betty Flynn, said that joining IWA over 20 years ago was like a lifeline to her.
“I would have been completely lost. I learned how to interact with people all over again and it has allowed me to pursue my interest in art and then also take up crafts.”
RELIANT ON DONATIONS
IWA hopes to raise €40,000 to support the organisation’s work locally and across the country. Last year the organisation provided 87,080 days of community services through its 48 community centres and 17 outreach centres nationwide.
The organisation also delivered assisted living services in homes across the country and supported 19 IWA sports clubs, including Rebel Wheelers in Cork, while its 142 accessible buses supported with IWA-transport services.
Theresa Curtin found herself more or less confined to her home because of medical reasons until she joined IWA in Mallow three years ago, which has given her a whole new lease of life.
“Someone suggested joining IWA and I haven’t looked back,” she said. “I love the arts and crafts and the drama. I have met some lovely people; they are like my second family. We all have our needs and our limitations, but it doesn’t seem that way here. I would be lonely without it.”
IWA’s work nationwide is dedicated to supporting people with disabilities in communities to live a life of choice and independence. The organisation relies on donations to develop, grow and continue to support its members who want to be active, social, independent and advocate for their rights.
“If you see us out collecting, please come and say hello,” said Ferelith Kingston, Community Fundraising and Events co-ordinator with IWA. “Selected Aldi stores across the country will have on-street collections on the day. We appreciate any donation, big or small and if you can’t give on the day, you can donate any time on www.iwa.ie/donate.”
