Small business makes big difference for IWA

VOLUNTEERS, representing a local business, visited the headquarters of the Irish Wheelchair Association (IWA) in Clontarf recently to transform a holiday centre and grounds of the campus.

Staff from RED C Research, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary, selected the IWA as their local charity of choice to work with and to give back to the community in which they are based.

Approximately 120 people with physical disabilities receive services from the IWA on a weekly basis.

The range of programmes offered include the Resource and Outreach Centre, Independent Living Units, Assisted Living Services, Wheelchair Solutions – wheelchair sales, rentals and repairs, Sports Hall, Accessible Gym and the Carmel Fallon Holiday Centre.

The holiday centre is a six-bed facility, providing accessible and supported holidays and breaks to people with disabilities. It was the centre of activity for the volunteers who painted and decorated the living room area and a brand new games area for guests who travel to the centre.

The volunteers also assisted the IWA with the maintenance and upkeep of the green space areas and garden located on the campus grounds.

RED C started life as a business in Clontarf in 2003 with just three staff and a very empty office. Over the past 10 years it has grown to employ close to 40 permanent staff and over 100 part time interviewers all over Ireland.

Richard Colwell, managing director of Red C Research, said:

“As a business we are proud to support a number of charities at home and abroad in different ways.

“On our 10-year anniversary we are therefore delighted to celebrate the growth we have enjoyed during that time, by giving back to people in need in our local community.

“We hope that in giving both funds and more importantly our time to this local and worthy cause, we can help make the visits of those people to the centre more enjoyable.

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Mr Colwell added:

“We hope to remain part of the community for the next 10 years, and continue to provide employment and support to the people of Clontarf in any way we can.

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The RED C Research Team also kindly made a donation towards the volunteer event which was used to purchase the necessary supplies and equipment required to redecorate the Carmel Fallon Holiday Centre and transform the green space areas enjoyed by IWA members and visitors to the Association’s campus.

Kathleen McLoughlin, chief executive of the IWA, said:

“A key element to our social, educational and training supports is the creation of links and partnerships with local businesses and organisations.

“I would like to thank RED C Research and the 40 volunteers who have made a real difference to our campus in Clontarf.

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