SUPPORTING ROLE Pictured at the presentation last week were, front, from left: Archbishop Michael Neary, Nuala Bourke, Family Centre; Ms Celene Peurye, Director, Baxter Foundation; Mary Ryan, Family Centre. Back row, from left: Pearce O’Malley, Family Centre; Maureen O’Malley, Baxter; Canon Paddy Curran, Tom Walshe, Family Centre; Ann Leonard, Family Centre, and Fr Pat Farragher, Director, Family Centre.
Baxter donation to Family Centre
Michael Duffy
ONE of the biggest employers in the county, Baxter Healthcare, have announced this week that they are to donate $120,000 to the Family Centre in Castlebar.
The grant has been made possible through Baxter’s International Foundation and, speaking at the presentation ceremony, Ms Maureen O’Malley, Human Resources Director of Baxter Healthcare Ireland, said the company were delighted that the Foundation has made this grant to the Family Centre in Castlebar. “It is true recognition of the excellent level of services that the staff at the Centre provide to the community and we wish them continued success,” stated Ms O’Malley.
The Family Centre was established by the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Tuam in 1994 to provide Family Life Services to people living in the Archdiocese, which covers parts of Counties Mayo, Galway and Roscommon. Although it is supported by the Catholic Church, the services of the Centre are available to all individuals, irrespective of creed or social distinction, and it provides a range of support services to families and individuals through counselling, education and training to help deal with problems of modern society in a professional and confidential way.
Archbishop Michael Neary also attended the presentation and said the grant would be a huge boost to the centre.
“Consultation with the local community indicated very clearly that families in Ireland today are going through a period of profound social, economic, cultural and religious change, which has affected the quality and stability of family life. This is the reason that the Family Centre was established and its range of services has expanded over the years,” stated Archbishop Neary.
Fr Pat Farragher is the Director of the Family Centre and he outlined that the Centre, through its programmes and services, is committed to providing help and support for those in crisis.
“We also are here for those wishing to enhance their relationship skills as individuals, partners and parents. We are delighted to receive this grant from the Baxter Foundation and look forward to enhancing and expanding our range of services,” he said.