Black Santa appeal raises over €700 for Autism Heroes
At the Black Santa appeal in Fairgreen Shopping Centre were Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, mayor of Carlow Paul Doogue, Rev Pat Coleman and Louise Burnett, founder of Autism Heroes
THE Carlow Black Santa appeal raised €725.39 for Autism Heroes over two days at Fairgreen Shopping Centre over a week ago.
The fundraising drive took place on Thursday and Friday, 11-12 December, from 2.30-5.30pm each day, with local clergy and parishioners coming together to support the worthy cause.
“In the midst of the inclement weather, the amount raised was superb,” said Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, one of the organisers.
Despite poor weather throughout the appeal, the community rallied to support Autism Heroes, a non-profit organisation that provides assistance to families in the autistic community. The charity offers monthly support groups for parents and carers, as well as online support options.
The appeal was supported by members of Autism Heroes, including founder Louise Burnett, Rev Paul Fitzpatrick, mayor of Carlow Paul Doogue, Rory Healy of Healy Funeral Directors, Bernard Jennings of Jennings Opticians, John Kelly of the Irish United Nations Veterans’ Association (IUNVA) Post 29 unit, Rev Pat Coleman, An Garda Síochána Carlow, John Brophy, manager of Fairgreen Shopping Centre, and the Carlow Union of Parishes and local Carlow parishes.
It marked the third consecutive year that the Black Santa appeal has been held in Carlow.
