Miriam O’ Callaghan attended Cliona’s Foundation’s second annual Cork Corporate Lunch sponsored by Dornan Group, and featuring a performance from comedian Chris Kent, took place on Friday 13th October at The Clayton Hotel, Lapps Quay, Cork.
Yet again, the generous and hardworking sisters Audrey and Mary organised an incredible day raising huge funds and awareness. Cork favourite, Chris Kent performed to a sold-out room whilst renowned broadcaster and long term patron of Cliona’s Miriam O’Callaghan made the journey to Cork, entertained the guests and MC’d a superb afternoon. The lunch was kindly sponsored by Dornan Group and the drinks reception was generously supported by Kinsale Spirits.
It was a hugely successful and enjoyable day out, with bookings already confirmed for next year.
Speaking at the event, about the importance of fundraising events for the organisation, was Cliona’s Co-Founder and CEO Brendan Ring. “So many of these families experienced, and continue to experience, the significant non-medical costs of caring for a child with a life-limiting condition. We are incredibly grateful to Audrey, Mary and everyone who attended the lunch and ensuring it’s success. We have never needed the support more than now, we have seen a 59% increase in applications from the same period last year”
A recent survey conducted by Cliona’s shows how families with sick children are often disproportionately affected by situations out of their control, such as rapidly increasing living costs. These are parents who are in a living nightmare and the last thing they should have to worry about are bills. Cliona’s survey found that in 70% of families, at least one parent must give up their jobs to care for their sick child leaving them struggling to cope. Studies have highlighted that a family will need between €10,000 and €15,000 a year to cover various non-medical costs while their child is ill.
Cliona’s Foundation expects at least 200 families will apply for financial assistance this year and will need to raise a minimum of €500,000 to meet these applications
