Fundraising drive on for respite home ‘in need of some TLC’

A UNIQUE fundraiser for the Clann Mór Centre on Commons Road, Navan will focus on being kind to others.

The organisers are hoping to raise enough funds to refurbish and insulate the building which provides respite for people with intellectual disabilities and their families.

“It was built in the 1980's and we want to insulate it and bring it up to current standards,” says Ned Rispin, Service Manager.

The fund raising challenge is called ‘Pass the baton of kindness.’ Supporters are asked to do a random act of kindness, then donate to www.gofund.me/865c6411 and then nominate someone to continue to carry the baton of kindness.

Ned explains that Clann Mór was set up in the late 1970’s, initially as a support group for family and friends of people with intellectual disabilities.

“As time passed, it became evident that respite care was needed to support families.

“A fundraising campaign was undertaken by a small but determined group of individuals whose ambition was to create an environment where people with intellectual disabilities could live independently and safely in the community,” Ned says.

The house on the Commons Road was purchased by this group of volunteers in 1982, by means of a loan, fundraising and it was furnished by donations from local businesses.

“This original house has served the community exceptionally well over the last 40 years, but as with all properties, it is now in need of some TLC.”

Ned say that 65 people with intellectual disabilities take a break in the house over the course of a year.

“Some stay one night, others a week and some a couple of weeks – it depends on what they need and what their families need.”

“Unfortunately, because of the pandemic, many of those haven't had a break since March last year. There has been a lot of stress on families during the pandemic. Up until recently, they had no day services either.

“Normally they would have day services five days a week and maybe come to us once a month.

“Services are gradually opening up again,” he says.

Dave Kavanagh is a Dunboyne dad whose daughter attends Clann Mór.

“It provides a wonderful service and I would urge people to get behind the fund raising challenge.”

Dave explains that Sarah is 29 and loves going to Clann Mór.

“If she hears she can go, she is over the moon and is gone like a shot. She loves it. Between the management and staff it is a great place,” he said.

“To say it was very badly missed during the pandemic is a complete and utter understatement.

“She wasn't able to get to Clann Mór and she couldn't go to Prosper, Trim which she also attends.

“There was no relief from the stress and strain,” he said.

“Clann Mór offers her a social life and friends.”

Dave, who is a widower also appreciates the break. “For carers, having respite provided by Clann Mór is great and gives us a chance to have some sort of a normal life,” he says.

“It is great for young families. When our family was very young, when Sarah went to respite, it gave us a opportunity to spend more time and attention on her two brothers. “It is a great service for young families, as siblings of a child with a disability can often feel left out,” he says.

“On the other hand, a lot of carers can be very elderly, so this gives them a bit of a break too.”

Dave is urging the public to get behind the fund-raiser.

“All you have to do, is do a little kindness for someone, make a donation and pass the baton on,” he says.