Help them help the homeless
Thursday, 4 September 2008
Members of the Canning family (L-R), Olivine, Sean and Maria, who plan to go to South Africa next year to help provide homes for impoverished communities as part of the Niall Mellon Township Trust.
A LOCAL man and his two daughters, who have volunteered to go to South Africa to help provide homes for poor communities, are attempting to raise £8,000 with the help of the Gelvin Community Association (GCA).
Sean, Olivine and Maria Canning from Ballyness near Drumsurn, intend to go out as part of the Niall Mellon Township Trust, established in 2002 to provide homes in the impoverished townships in South Africa.
The Canning family plan to go to South Africa in March 2009.
As they are members of the GCA, the Association have agreed to undertake a number of fundraising events in the coming months in conjunction with the family.
Fundraising events are as follows.
On Sunday September 14, there will be a treasure hunt leaving Gelvin School car park at 3pm. No local knowledge necessary. There are prizes for first and second place. It costs £10 per car and further details are available from Aidan Rafferty on 028 777 42583.
Sunday, October 5, sees a sponsored trek leaving the school car park at 2pm and taking in Lenamore, Evish, the former American base, Benbradagh Peak, Tannyranny and ending at the school car park where refreshments will be provided. Each participant is to raise £100. Anyone interested in taking part can contact either Dermot Rafferty on 028 777 41131 or Eugene McCloskey on 028 777 42377 as soon as possible.
Then on, Saturday, November 1, there will be a 'Celebrity Jigs 'n Reels' in St Matthew's GAC centre, Drumsurn. Celebrities will include Paul 'Dudey' McCloskey and Ciaran 'Banty' Mullan. Other celebs will be revealed at a later date! Admission is a modest £15 which includes a drinks reception, supper and music to follow the competition. Bar facilities available.
In early November a 2009 calendar combining local scenes and history will be available at a cost of £5. It will be on sale locally and from any member of the Association. Association members are encouraging people to obtain a copy as it might one day become a collector's item! Further information is available from Anne McCloskey on 028 777 41354 or Majella Begley on 028 777 68081.
There will be a table quiz on Friday, November 14, in the Pot Bar. The Association would welcome prizes for the half time raffle. Contact Patsy McNicholl on 028 777 42805 or Eugene McCloskey on 028 777 42377.
Decemeber will see a duck race on the Gelvin River but the exact date is still to be confirmed.
