Kilkenny charities to benefit from Mayor's Christmas Appeal

The launch of the annual Mayor's Christmas Appeal took place in James Stephens Barracks on Friday, November 17.

The launch signified a busy period of fundraising in which Kilkenny people and businesses are urged to support the Kilkenny Lions Club's Christmas Hamper Appeal and other local voluntary organisations including Kilkenny Meals on Wheels.

Members of the Defence Forces, along with representatives from the Kilkenny Lions Clubs and the Kilkenny Meals on Wheels Service were present on the morning.

Amongst the fundraising initiatives will be the annual auction from December 5 to 7 and a concert in St Canice’s Cathedral on Thursday, December 14 where a number of school children will have the opportunity to showcase their talents.

Marie Kennedy, President of Kilkenny Lions Club, said she hopes the next month will raise a significant amount for those facing challenges.

"Christmas for some people is very challenging. Our hamper appeal supports those to receive items we take for granted," she said.

Ms Kennedy was elected to the position in July of this year and has been on a number of the club's committees since 2014.

Ms Kennedy, originally from Killenaule in Tipperary, went on to express her hope that a number of worthwhile organisations in the city will benefit as a result of the appeal and thanked Mayor Joe Malone as well as media partners the Kilkenny People and KCLR 96FM for their ongoing support.

Mayor Joe Malone, was full of pride as a former member of the Barracks to have hosted the morning in the James Stephens complex, commenting: "The army does great work for social service on Christmas Day with meals on wheels in the city and environs," he said.

"It's possibly the only people older people might see over those few days."

Mr Malone extended his gratitude to members of the Lions Club and other local volunteers, adding, "anyone can fall hard times and that's what it’s there for and they do it very discreetly. Christmas can be a very hard time," Cllr Malone concluded.

Kay Hogan from Kilkenny Social Services, commented: "The Lions Club have supported Kilkenny Social Services and Meals on Wheels for many years.

"We wouldn’t be able to provide the support without groups getting together," she remarked.

Experienced Defence Forces soldier and local man, Rob Kearney, extended his and the Barracks support to the initiative, stating, "the army is a vital part of the city and county," adding, soldiers show 'great empathy' for people in difficult situations.

A number of local army veterans living in Kilkenny will also benefit from the fundraising campaign and Larry Scallan, Chairman of the Local Branch of Veterans in the United Nations, claimed such causes act as a great assistance for former soldiers where the state is unable to adequately assist.

PRO of the Kilkenny Lions Club, Phillip O'Neill, thanked the Mayor as well as the Kilkenny public and business community by saying: "Without their support we would not be able to give support to services who deal specifically with services over Christmas."