New group aims to support people affected by suicide
Dublin People 01 Oct 2011
THREE Northside
women are holding a special event this weekend dedicated to the memory of
people in their area who have lost their lives to suicide, drugs and crime.
The Infinity Ball,
a black tie affair, will take place at the Hilton Hotel, Malahide Road, on
Saturday, October 8.
Nicola Kelleher,
Amanda Madden and Norma Jean Duff, from Coolock, set up the Infinity Foundation
three months ago as a result of the large number of deaths the community has
suffered in recent years.
Nicola Kelleher
said the idea to hold this charity event came about after she and her two
friends were chatting over a cup of tea.
“It was like a
seed being planted and we have watched it grow into this special event on
Saturday,
? she told Northside People.
“We have lost so
many good people in Coolock through deaths from crime, suicide and drug abuse.
“The reason behind
the event is to help the families, children and friends of the deceased get the
support and help they need to try come to terms with their loss.
“As a community it
is up to us to strive to make the changes we want to see and pull together to
create a better future for the children who will grow up in our area.
?
While Saturday’s
ball is the group’s inaugural event, the three founders are planning to
eventually set themselves up as a recognised charity.
Ms Kelleher said a
group such as theirs is badly needed in the Coolock community.
“There is a dark
circle over the area at the moment,
? she stated.
“We’ve already
lost one generation to suicide, drugs and crime and we don’t want to lose the
next generation. We want to take steps now to stop this happening.
“We are in the
very early stages of setting up and are looking for a premises.
“We are also
looking for anyone that can help us to set up as a registered charity.
“The money raised
from the ball will be donated to Suicide or Survive (SOS) who will be working
alongside us to get programmes/workshops in place for mental health awareness
and Turas, a child and family counselling service,
? stated Ms Kelleher.
“As Turas is Government
funded they can’t accept money but we are going to donate stuff to their
sensory room for the children under their care.
?
Ms Kelleher said
Saturday night will be a celebration of the deceased people’s lives.
“It will also be
an opportunity to thank God for the time we had with them regardless of how
long we had them for,
? she added.
“Always remember:
death is only a doorway between them and us, and they walk beside us everyday
of our lives even if we can’t see them.
?
Tickets for the
Infinity Ball are still available. Call 085-2114278/086-2220142 or email
[email protected]
On the night there
will be live entertainment, food, raffles and an auction.
The Infinity
Foundation is also calling on local businesses to donate a spot prize for the
raffle.
All beneficiaries
who help contribute to the event will be thanked and recognised for their
contribution.
?¢ For more
information on the group see the Facebook Infinity Foundation page.
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