Westport charitable appeals deliver once again

Westport charitable appeals deliver once again


Neill O’Neill

DESPITE the current economic uncertainty sweeping the country the people of Westport have once again looked favourably on the annual Christmas fundraising appeals organised by local Town Councillor Martin Keane (pictured).
For several years now the fuel and toy appeals have been helping dozens of local families and the elderly residents of Westport, and in 2010 it was once again a great success.
“We were absolutely delighted with the funds we raised for the fuel appeal,” said Councillor Keane. “It was a harsh winter and without the generosity of the people of Westport and the surrounding areas it would have been extremely difficult for many of our elderly residents to have comfort in their own homes.”
The money raised in the bucket collections and through the generous donations of local people and businesses is all spent to provide fuel, heating oil and food vouchers to many households right across the greater Westport area.
The appeals are operated by Councillor Keane and a team of loyal volunteers in the run up to Christmas each year, and year on year they are amazed by the response their endeavours receive.
“It is testament to the spirit and nature of the people of Westport that despite the turmoil in this country we were welcomed on doorsteps and received a huge response everywhere we went,” said Councillor Keane. “Our local businesses are facing great hardships in the current economic climate, but they were not found wanting when we called last December. All the money we raised was spent locally and brought smiles to many people and warmth in their lives at an important time of the year. It is impossible to name every person who needs to be thanked but I do want to mention Liam Campion and the staff of Supervalu in Westport, the management and staff at Tesco and Hoban’s Centra, the Corcoran family and everyone at The Castlecourt and Plaza Hotels, William Reidy from The Mall and the management and staff of Allergan Pharmaceuticals”.
The annual toy appeal was also a great success once again, and ensured that no child was left without a present on Christmas morning. Councillor Keane also paid tribute to his many helpers, collectors and the clubs and voluntary groups that contributed to the appeals, and promised that his appeals will continue to ease hardships for the elderly and needy of Westport into the future.