Kilkenny Community Cancer Support centre raises first €500,000 of €2m fundraiser target

Cois Nore, Kilkenny’s Community Cancer Support Centre has reported that a significant fundraising milestone has been reached.

The charity has now raised the first €500,000 of a targeted €2 million to provide a new home on the Waterford Road, Kilkenny.

Passers-by will have noticed the external site clearance with the colourful Cartoon Saloon-designed bill-board depicting the incremental steps on the fundraising journey.

The important first step has now been taken according to Cois Nore’s Chairman Bill Cuddihy, the charity has attracted widespread community support for its fundraising activities, saying:

“We need to publicly acknowledge the fantastic support from all of our donors. When we published our core story last year, we chose the title “In it together”, reflecting the fact that we are rooted in our community.

The range and level of financial support shows that people get it – they understand the
need for a community response to support anyone affected by a cancer diagnosis. They have responded to the call, ensuring that our free services will continue. We want to create a safe haven where people feel the embrace of a caring community.”

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Cois Nore has also successfully achieved full membership of the National Alliance of Community Cancer Support Centres and Services.

The Alliance is an initiative which aims to develop a collaborative framework for community-based cancer support centres and services. Achieving full membership required the adoption of best practice in all areas, including governance, professionally accredited services, accessibility and accountability.

Mary Dolan, Centre Manager said: “Membership of the Alliance gives credibility to the charity, helps with lobbying at national level and provides comfort to potential funders. The accreditation process was challenging but the success in achieving full membership gives us the opportunity to receive Government funding from the recent budget allocation of €5.5m nationally. This funding will be for
operational costs, as opposed to development of the new premises, but does give us some certainty for the future provision of our free services.”

Bill Cuddihy concluded: “Our voluntary Board have set ambitious plans in train for both service
provision and for the development of our new home. As we move to the next stage in realising that ambition we will have to continue to raise the necessary funds. Our target is €2m. We will be seeking support from local developers, merchants, businesses, and community events, but we are confident that people want to support us. Kilkenny is that kind of place – people care.”

For more information or to donate visit coisnore.ie/donate.