Staff of Fingal County Council presented a new minibus to St. Michael’s House (SMH) Oaklands Service, Swords, at a special event held yesterday at County Hall, Swords.
The presentation was made by Chief Executive AnnMarie Farrelly on behalf of the staff of Fingal County Council. In November 2022, the Network Fingal Forum (NFF) Committee selected St. Michael’s House Oaklands Service to benefit from the Council’s annual Christmas fundraising raffle. Since then, staff across the organisation have been committed to funding the purchase of a dedicated minibus for the service.
Over the past three years, Council staff embarked on a fundraising journey to support the purchase of a minibus for Oaklands Service.
Through their efforts, a total of €31,665 was raised, enabling St. Michael’s House to acquire a brand-new minibus for its Oakland service users.
The Oaklands Service provides vital supports for adults with intellectual and physical disabilities, offering a stimulating and supportive environment where individuals are encouraged to thrive, live as independently as possible, and make their own choices about their lives.
Access to reliable transport is essential to facilitate appointments and community outings for service users, contributing greatly to their independence and participation in local life.
The new minibus proudly carries the inscription:
“Donated by the Staff of Fingal County Council.”
“The generosity and commitment of Fingal County Council staff over the past three years demonstrate the strong sense of community that exists within the organisation,” said AnnMarie Farrelly, Chief Executive of Fingal County Council.
“Their efforts will make a real difference to the lives of those supported by St. Michael’s House in Swords.”
We are incredibly grateful to the staff of Fingal County Council for their generosity and commitment in supporting our St. Michael’s House Oaklands Service in Swords,” said Jonathan Power, Chief Executive, St. Michael’s House Foundation.
“Their fundraising efforts have enabled us to purchase a vehicle that will make a real and lasting difference, giving service users greater independence, freedom and opportunity to participate more fully in community life.”
This initiative highlights the strong partnership between Fingal County Council and local voluntary organisations actively working to promote social inclusion and community wellbeing across Fingal.