THE CURRAGH, 20 July 2001: by Grace Halford. The recent annual KARE Fete was again a resounding success, thanks to the help of regular volunteers and groups who provide entertainment on the day.
The event was held on the Curragh as usual, and is one of a number of key fundraising initiatives for the county's main service organisation for children and adults with mental handicap.
What started off in 1967 as a small group of parents and friends of handicapped people aiming to provide just a little bit of support and a service for young children soon turned into a pre-school service which then in turn became a full school service when the Department of Education began to fund it and hire teachers. As the organisation grew and developed it was soon apparent that services for adults were also needed. KARE now provides a very comprehensive service for both children and adults with learning difficulties in the Kildare and surrounding areas.
As funding from both Education and Health departments began to appear, the work of the volunteers became more focused on fundraising, PRO Ann Coffey says. "We became very capable fundraisers, managing to provide in excess of £100,000 voluntary funds every year," she notes. "Although KARE is primarily state funded, these extra funds allow us to match the state money given to the organisation to fund capital projects such as the acquisition of houses for residential and respite care."
Fundraising events include poker classics, golf outings, and a charity auction which is held in Baltinglass each year. The auction items under the hammer include services and products such as a bale of hay, a day’s labour on a farm or the services of a prize bull.
"The annual Fete is a remarkable event where all the branches came together, each one doing something different from bric-a-brac sales to raffles," says Ann Coffey. "The Olive Keogh School of Dancing and the Patrician Premier Pipe Band (above) provide entertainment for all the family on the day. The event would not be possible without the support of the volunteers, the Department of Defence, the Curragh Racecourse, and Murray Short who is the chief organiser."
KARE has recently employed a Volunteer Officer who recruits members of the public who may have a couple of hours a week to spare and would like to get involved. Any ne wishing to do so should can call 045-431544.
©2001gracehalford/knn