The North West 10K committee is celebrating breaking the magic million mark after their 28th road race in Letterkenny.
Since its foundation in 1997, the major event has now raised a staggering grand total of €1,018,876.
Funds have directly benefited 41 local charities in Donegal.
This year’s beneficiaries were Donegal Horizons and the Multiple Sclerosis Ireland Donegal Branch, who each received a cheque for €17,476 tonight, following an incredible €34,952 raised through this year’s 10K event.
Neil Martin, Chairperson of the North West 10K, commended the charities for their work this year and acknowledged every voluntary committee member who has served since 1997.
Mayor of Letterkenny, Cllr Ciaran Brogan, congratulated everyone and said: “It’s a great example of people coming together and so much good coming from it. To each one of you, congratulations and well done. Having reached that million mark means so much to each one of you.”
From coffee mornings to pub quizzes, and the spectacular Stars in Their Eyes show, this year’s two charities pulled out all the stops to generate funds and awareness for their work.
Anne Ramsey of Donegal Horizons CLG stated that the €17,479 donation will significantly enhance services in Carndonagh and Letterkenny. Donegal Horizons, which supports adults with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities or autism, opened its new Letterkenny premises in the Grand Central building this month, and the funds will also assist with set-up costs.
Sam Kennedy from the MS Ireland Donegal branch said that every euro is appreciated. The charity will be using the funds to cover supports for its 300+ members such as physio, welfare and outings for members in Donegal.
The North West 10K committee is a 12-strong group that organises the race and supports charities in their three months of fundraising ahead of the event. They were joined tonight by former committee members, including past chairpersons Grace and James Boyle. Charlie Kelly, though absent, was also acknowledged for his work from the very first event at Rockhill.
The North West 10k is sponsored by Donegal Daily, Brian McCormick InterSport, Century Cinemas, the Mount Errigal Hotel and the Value Centre.
