Cycle proceeds will go to two charities
The annual Childaid Cycle Challenge is due to take place in Roscommon on Sunday, August 13th. The 100km and 50km events will be leaving Rosbowl at 10 am on the day and proceeds will go towards children’s charity Childaid and the Roscommon Cancer Support Centre.
Childaid was granted its charitable status in 2001 and is run by a five-person board of directors, all of whom are volunteers. The charity supports child-orientated projects both in Ireland and overseas, and raises funds by organising group treks to places such as Mt. Kilimanjaro, Everest base camp, Ben Nevis and Carrauntoohil, among other destinations.
Castlecoote woman, Mary Clark, is a Childaid volunteer and told the Roscommon People about one of Childaid’s Tanzanian projects.
“We coordinate a programme in Tanzania where we bring volunteers to an orphanage called ‘Msamaria’, which Childaid started supporting last year.
“This project is part orphanage and part halfway house for street children aging from infancy to 16 years old. It hosts up to 50 kids and Childaid funds rent, education and food,” she said.
Childaid runs a programme whereby sponsors can send a child to school and Mary has also contributed to this.
“I am currently sponsoring children in this programme who live in Nairobi and are in their second year in secondary school. I get to see these children on my return visits to Africa as Childaid also supports projects in Nairobi.
“As a volunteer you get to spend time with these children, listen to their hopes and dreams and help them with their school work. They love this. They feel so special and it’s a very rewarding experience for volunteers.”
Mary, whose husband John also supports Childaid and has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, is currently training to climb Annapurna in support of Childaid. Closer to home, she highlighted the importance of another local charity however.
“This is my fourth year organising the charity cycle in aid of Childaid and this year we have also decided to support Roscommon Cancer Support Centre in Roscommon town. Like most families, I have had experience with the disease this year and I feel it’s good to give back.
“The people of Roscommon have been great in supporting these charities and the Childaid Cycle over the last few years and we are really looking forward to this year’s event and continued support,” she concluded.
If you would like to donate to or volunteer for this year’s Childaid Charity Cycle or indeed volunteer with Childaid worldwide, contact Mary Clark on 086-1084536 or Secretary Graham Tobin on 087-6886101.
The Childaid Charity 100km and 50 Cycle will take start from Rosbowl on Sunday, August 13th at 10 am. Entry costs €30 from 9 am on the day or €25 online at www.eventbrite.ie. The first 100 to register will receive a free cycling jersey and there will be free refreshments on the day.
