A Wild Ireland fundraiser that offered a helping ‘paw’ to the Doagh Famine Village has been hailed a great success.
A total of €2,300 was raised by the animal sanctuary on Thursday when they offered up all takings from the day to helping the owners of Doagh Famine Village following last Saturday’s devastating fire.
The gesture is part of a widespread show of support from neighbouring tourism operators, businesses and individuals to help Pat Doherty and his sister Majella, the founders of the historical attraction, to rebuild their business.
A message from the Wild Ireland team thanked every visitor who helped support the cause. They said: “Every ticket purchased on Thursday made a difference, and we couldn’t have done it without each of you who visited, shared, and supported this cause.
“If you couldn’t make it but still want to help, please consider donating to the official GoFundMe. We are so close to reaching the fundraising goal to get Pat & Majella on the road to rebuilding such an important element of Donegal.”
The Go Fund Me account to help rebuild the damaged attraction has so far raised more than €78,000. The campaign was set up by John Mc Gonagle of the Wild Alpaca Way at Malin Head to help “ensure that future generations can once again walk through the doors of Doagh Famine Village and connect with Ireland’s story — told by the people who’ve lived it.”
The fire at Doagh Famine Village destroyed half of the family-run museum, erasing buildings which housed replicas of historical sites like a Republican safe house, an Orange Hall, a Presbyterian Meeting House, and others preserving the stories of Travellers, Irish traditions, and rural life.
Because part of Doagh Famine Village is contained inside thatched buildings, the Dohertys say they could not get insurance cover for fire, leaving them unable to recoup compensation for their loss.
Those who wish to support the GoFundMe can visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/pvpv3-doagh-famine-village
Please note there is just one official GoFundMe in circulation, with warnings that there are ‘fake pages’ trying to take advantage of this fire.
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