Huge sum of money raised for Kilkenny charities following mayor's fundraiser

After weeks of fundraising and generous donations from members of the public, all monies raised from the Mayor’s Christmas Hamper Appeal were presented at a small ceremony in James Stephens Barracks in recent days.

In what has become a very successful collaboration, the Defence Forces continued their long-running partnership with the Kilkenny Lions Club over the Christmas period to organise events and generate funds for their annual 'Christmas Hamper Appeal'.

In an act of support, the mayor’s office joined the fundraising drive and handed over all funds raised from the annual ‘Mayor’s Christmas Appeal' in an act of generous unity.

Each year’s the mayor’s Christmas fundraising drive seeks to support those most in need with funds raised donated to numerous charities including Meals on Wheels.

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In total, €3,627 was raised by the mayor’s appeal with a further €1,082 by Clunetech, adding to an already healthy pot.

Those funds along with other monies raised will be distributed by the Defence Forces and Lions Club to the numerous benefactors across Kilkenny.

"The Defence Forces and the people of Kilkenny have been incredibly generous this winter," Mayor of Kilkenny, Cllr John Coonan said.

"I made the decision to direct 100% of funds to the Lions because I know they are the best people to ensure every cent that every cent will go exactly where it is needed most.

"Your (the Lions Club) work goes far beyond the Hamper Appeal. You are the quiet engine behind so much good in our city," he continued, describing their volunteers as the ‘boots on the ground for voluntary work in the city'.

"You identify the need, and meet it with dignity and kindness. Handing these funds to you is not just a donation, it is an investment in the wellbeing of our most vulnerable citizens."

Mayor Coonan also paid tribute to the local Defence Forces, who stated, without whom 'none of this would be possible'.

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"When the uniform meets the volunteer, great things happen. You serve the nation, but you also serve your neighbours, highlighting the countless positive contributions they make to society at home and abroad.

"Thank you for your partnership and for everything you do for Kilkenny," he concluded.

Lt. Col. Rob Kearney expressed his thanks to the people of Kilkenny for continuing to show their backing for the initiative and vowed it would go to worthwhile organisations.

"I’m delighted to say that we will be fully committed to the different organisations going forward and anytime we can help with anything we will endeavour to do that as well," he noted.

President of the Lions Club, Maurice Regan expressed his heartfelt thanks to the Defence Forces and everyone involved in making the fundrasing drive the success it is today.

"The whole idea behind it is to help people who are less fortunate than us," Mr Regan said.

"The humanity shown to the whole city and the environment lets other people know that they are thinking of them too. It also prompts people (organisations) to support you," he continued.

"I think that the work that Lions Club have been doing down through the years have earned that credibility to get the money because they know that it's going back out to good causes throughout the county."

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