Recently we reported on Williamstown woman Anne Marie Kenny’s efforts to raise money for the Niall Mellon Township Challenge which she will take part in in November of this year. In the past month, her fundraising efforts were greatly aided by children in a number of local national schools and also by taking part in the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin. In November, Anne Marie travels to Capetown with 1,300 Irish volunteers to help build 200 houses in one week for South Africans who currently live in squalor. In order to take part in the challenge, Anne Marie has to raise a minimum of €4,000. However, she has set her target higher at €7,000 to €10,000, as it costs €5,000 to build one house and €2,000 goes towards the flight and accommodation for the week there. The first event got underway on Bank Holiday Monday, June 4th when Anne Marie, herself and nine other ladies headed to Dublin to take part in the Flora Women’s Mini Marathon in aid of the Niall Mellon Township Trust. The weather was bad but the spirits were high. The local women who took part included Helena and Nicola Conneely, Ann Curtin and Mary Fahy from Glenamaddy who had eagerly prepared for the marathon and fundraised but unfortunately could not take part on the day. To everyone who helped fundraise or sponsored the cause, their help was very much appreciated. Schools in the area have been busy supporting Anne Marie’s cause too. She wrote to them with the idea of organising a ‘Colourful Clothes’ non-uniform day and the idea has helped raise great funds for the charity. Some schools are small in size but raised an amazing amount of money. Their hearts and efforts were big. The schools that organised this day include Williamstown, Glenamaddy, Moylough, Ballygar, Windfield, Kilteevan, Glinsk NS and Athleague NS. This week Anne Marie issued a big thank you to all the children and staff involved for their tremendous efforts and interest. ‘I hope the experience has been educational for the children too, showing them how lucky they are in life and that not everyone is as lucky.’ The next fundraising events locally, are the Afternoon Tea Dances in the Oakland Hotel on Sunday July 1st and 8th. The by now renowned dances are organised by local man Peter Joyce. Peter has agreed to donate the proceeds from these two dances to the Niall Mellon Trust Fund. The dances take place from 3-6 pm on the respective Sundays. Music is by Harvest Moon on July 1st and Frank McCafferty on July 8th. Both are well-established bands and a great afternoons dancing is guaranteed. Refreshments will be served and spot prizes will be raffled during the dances. Posters advertising the dances are displayed in all local towns. Tickets are available in a number of outlets or from Anne Marie herself Tel (086) 3558422. Alternatively tickets can be purchased at the door. All tickets are €7. So please come along, bring your friends and do something enjoyable and worthwhile! Watch out for the upcoming Harvest Dance on Sunday night August 5th in Morgan’s Function Room, Williamstown. This will be part of the entertainment line up for Williamstown Parish Reunion. ‘The fundraising campaigns have been going extremely well. People have been so supportive and generous. Thanks to each and everyone of you who have helped in any way. Without your support my trip to Africa in November would not be possible. The money raised will make a huge difference to the lives of many South Africans who are currently homeless. Míle buiochas doibh go léir.’
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