Lisnagry Parents Association fundraise for a specially adapted vehicle for adults with disabilities

Lisnagry Parents Association fundraise for a campaign which has been launched to raise funds for a vehicle to allow their children to live more independent lives. Pictured above is Daughters of Charity service user Bob Donworth.

Update May 13, 2021: Ballyneety Community Development Association contributes hugely to Lisnagry campaign 

The Daughters of Charity facility in Lisnagry has received further help on their campaign to raise funds for an independent-living vehicle for service users after the Ballyneety Community Development Association handed half the proceeds from their Easter fundraiser to the appeal.

The Ballyneety Community Development Association held a sponsored “walk, run cycle or push” where €8,000 was raised in total. The other half of the proceeds will go to help fund the area’s community hub and AstroTurf pitch, which have been closed for rent since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

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So far, €35,813 has been raised of their €55,000 goal.

Ballyneety Community Development Association pictured above making their donation

Lisnagry Parents Association fundraise for a specially adapted vehicle for adults with disabilities

By I Love Limerick Correspondent Dylan Frawley

Parents of clients of the Daughters of Charity facility in Lisnagry have launched a fundraising campaign to raise funds for a vehicle to allow their children to live more independent lives. The Lisnagry Parents Association has set up a fundraising page on GoFundMe in a bid to raise €55,000 for the purchase of an adapted van for them. The campaign launched in October 2020 and so far, has raised just over €20,000. Over the years, the Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services has supported the campus residents to transfer to new homes in the community.  

Around 30 of the 90 users of the Daughters of Charity facility in Lisnagry are planning to move from the centre to live in communities to allow better integration. But because the homes are in rural locations and not on bus routes, they will need a wheelchair accessible vehicle to get around. The campaign aims to help eight adult residents transfer to beautiful new homes to support their personal needs. The houses are based in rural settings, which was the wish of the residents. There are no public transport routes, and in some cases, public transport would not always meet everyone’s needs.

These new homes will be far more beneficial to community living and inclusion. Still, funding for wheelchair accessibility is essential for the residents to get around with ease and successfully fulfil their dreams. While their move from a congregated setting is an exciting time for the residents, suitable transport to local amenities is paramount to prevent isolation from their local community. The residents have always been supported to live purposeful and meaningful lives; however, this opportunity provides them with the ability to live better lives as part of their local community.

My Dad is fundraising for a charity that provides care for my brother Bob, among many others. Funds are being raised for a specially adapted vehicle for adults with disabilities. Pls donate if u can! https://t.co/OkKlsWP9DV

— Orla Donworth (@OrlaDonworth) December 23, 2020

The Daughters of Charity Disability Support Services provide support to people with intellectual disabilities. The organisation is funded separately by the Health Service Executive (HSE) and operates in the daily delivery of services for those in need and is responsible for providing support in the East Limerick/North Tipperary area. The organisation’s main objective is to promote self-empowerment and help people with intellectual disabilities lead independent and satisfying lives.

Ann, a 54-year-old client of Daughters of Charity who is benefitting from the independent living program, said, “I’ve lived at the campus in St. Vincent’s Centre since I was four years old. I’m so excited about moving into my new home in the community. I will now live in a house like my family and my friends, and like them I’ll be travelling every day in a car owned by my house to my activities and to access community facilities, going shopping, socialising, visiting my family and friends. I use a wheelchair to get around, and my new home has all the adaptations that I require. With the help of staff, I’ve had great fun picking out my bedroom colours and furnishing, and I hope to move along with 3 of my friends into my new home before Christmas. As public transport doesn’t meet all our needs with timetables, routes etc. our vehicle will be the icing on the cake to make this move perfect.” 

John Donworth, one of the parents organising the fundraiser, said, “this vehicle will transform the lives of the residents who are moving out into the community. As parents, it gives us a huge lift to know that our sons and daughters are constantly having positive experiences and living their lives to the full”.

Donate HERE or telephone 087-2395267.

For stories about Daughters of Charity go HERE