Longford set to turn blue for eagerly awaited autism fundraiser for St Christopher’s Special School
Ann O'Leary (third from left in back row) with Caran Coughlan, Shannon Kelly, Tena Keown, Angie Kelly and Taisia Nosova ahead of the two day 'Autism Awareness Turn Longford Blue' fundraiser.
All eyes will be on Longford town over the next two days as it prepares to roll out the blue carpet for a major autism fundraiser.
In operation since 2015, Autism Awareness Turn Longford Blue is arguably one of the midlands town’s most eagerly awaited annual fundraisers, raising much needed financial support for St Christopher’s Special School.
In that time, the event which ordinarily sees a host of fun-filled features take centre stage in a nominated local pop up shop, has raised over €29,000.
Spearheading that drive, as she has done over the best part of the last decade is local woman Ann O’Leary.
She told the Irish Independent of how her decision to raise funds for a school her beloved 17-year-old son, Ben attends, was one of the best she ever made.
“It’s a place that’s held dearly in many hearts in Longford,” she said, concerning the event which is being run to coincide with Autism Awareness Month.
“I have to say the people of Longford town are always very supportive and generous. I have raised over €29, 000 so far and I don't get any grants to help so I cover all the costs myself.”
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Ms O’Leary said but for the onset of Covid-19, the event would have surpassed the €30,000 mark, a target she remains hopeful of reaching over the coming days.
This year’s location is at a shop unit situated at 2-3 Grafton Court with the occasion scheduled from 2pm to 5:30pm today (Thursday) and from 10:30pm to 5:30pm tomorrow.
Among the many goodies up for grabs include new and preloved toys, costume jewellery, t-shirts, a raffle, books, DVDs, balloon making, with candy floss and facepainting available for children.
Ms O’Leary reserved a special mention to Longford County Council for agreeing to turn both its own headquarters and the Mall bridge.
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She also thanked Kevin Smith for use of the shop unit once again this year, adding how Boyzone star Keith Duffy had sent a personal message ahead of the two day fundraiser getting underway.
As part of her future targets, Ms O’Leary, who has also played an active part setting up a sensory area for the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, has her sights set on establishing a facility for Longford’s autistic and disability community.
Those aspirations, though well intentioned are for another day as Ms O’Leary and all those associated with the Turn Longford Blue fundraiser get set for a two day extravaganza like no other.
