A major fundraiser is on the way to make Buncrana’s Festival Park a more inclusive play area for children with disabilities.
The ‘Fun for All’ campaign is being led by the Friel family in memory of their brother Gareth. Gareth passed away on July 31st last year at the age of 38.
One of the things Gareth got great pleasure from in life was using a swing.
In his honour, Gareth’s family are fundraising for a wheelchair ability swing, a bird’s nest swing and a wheelchair accessible picnic bench to benefit other families living in and visiting the area.
Coreen Robinson, Gareth’s sister, said: “The Festival playground in Buncrana is one of the best around, and adding these 3 pieces will be a positive addition and make it more inclusive.”
Donegal County Council is supporting the project and agreed that if €20,000 is raised in the community to buy the equipment, then the council will fund the groundwork and installation at the Shore Front.
The project is a positive step towards improving a great asset in the town.
“We won’t stop until we get the €20,000,” says Coreen.
“The site has been picked next to the basketball court and all our efforts are rolling towards getting the swings installed.”
The Friel family will undertake a 40 km walk in memory of Gareth on Saturday 22nd July from Banba’s Crown, Malin Head to The Market Square Buncrana arriving at approx 3pm. Everyone is welcome to join in the walk and we are asking everyone to wear a white top.
“We are inviting the public to join in at any point along the way and to wear a white top,” Coreen said.
The Fun For All project has grown into a true community effort. Children from local primary schools have already raised €3,000 through successful bake sales. The Laurentic Bar is hosting an 80s, 90s, 00s disco this Saturday, 15th July with a raffle.
Stay tuned to the Fun for All Buncrana Facebook page (click here) for details of upcoming fundraisers.
People are being invited to support the cause in any way they can. Donations are very welcome to https://www.idonate.ie/cause/funforallbuncrana or https://www.idonate.ie/event/awalkforgareth
