STAFF at The Blanchardstown Centre were thanked at a recent cheque presentation ceremony for raising over
?¬60,000 for St Francis Hospice in Dublin 15.
The presentation took place at the centre on September 18 when General Manager at Blanchardstown Centre, Joe Gavin, handed the cheque over to Mr Justice Peter Kelly, Chairman of the Board at St Francis Hospice.
The
?¬60,000 was raised by centre staff through a series of fun-day events that took place in the centre recently.
Events included a sponsored walk around the periphery of the centre , static cycles, collections, bag packing, bake and book sales, music and dance.
Shoppers showed their appreciation through donations resulting in the huge sum being raised for St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown. The amount was further and very generously enhanced by Green Property, owners of Blanchardstown Centre with a donation of
?¬25,000, bringing the final total raised to
?¬60,000.
Commenting on the fundraiser Mr Justice Kelly said that:
“Being the nominated charity of Blanchardstown Centre for the past number of years has played a huge part in bringing St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown to fruition.
“The support of Joe Gavin, General Manager, and all his staff has been invaluable, particularly in relation to their support with the overall fundraising activity needed to repay a capital debt of
?¬22.5m.
“Today this debt stands at
?¬7.5m, which is a huge testament to all supporters within the local community.
“We look forward to our continued relationship with the Blanchardstown Centre Management
?.
Joe Gavin expressed his thanks to the retailers and staff of the centre for their involvement and local hospice volunteers who manned the door collections.
He also expressed gratitude to Green Property and the service providers who generously donated funds and to the many sponsors who supported the events.
“St Francis Hospice Blanchardstown is our Charity of Choice and we are delighted to continue to support this very worthy cause,
? he added.