Charity cycle for Brother Kevin

OVER 100 brave, adventurous cyclists are taking part in a 350km Dublin to Belmullet cycle next summer in aid of Brother Kevin Crowley’s Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin 7.

The hardy fundraisers are hoping to raise €100,000 for Brother Kevin’s work with the city’s homeless and it kicked off last week when the initiative was officially launched.

The cycle takes place on June 24-25 and it’s being backed by a host of stars including RTE’s Miriam O’Callaghan, Dubs legend Jimmy Keaveney and Mayo’s David Brady and Jason Doherty.

The first leg of the gruelling cycle takes off from the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin 7 to Drumshambo, Co Leitrim, with the second leg to Belmullet taking in the scenic north Mayo coastline.

Brother Kevin said he’s deeply grateful to everyone who supports the work done in the Day Centre.

“I want to thank the cyclists who are putting their time and energy into raising awareness and badly needed money for those in need,” he added.

“Unfortunately, our homeless situation is only getting worse and 260 people came here for breakfast this morning while over 550 need the centre to have dinner here every day.”

The Capuchin Day Centre also distributes 2,000 food parcels to Dublin residents who can’t afford to do a weekly shop and feed themselves and their families.

“The people who come here for help are those who have been left behind,” said Brother Kevin.

“They are people who need our support in a non-judgemental way. These are people are trapped and imprisoned in a cycle of poverty and homelessness.

“Every day in the Capuchin Day Centre we meet the tragic human casualties of failed Government policies and those charged with cherishing all the children of the state equally.

“Without the help of fundraisers, we could help those in the long queues that form each day outside the centre for such basic a necessity as food and we are hugely appreciative of the support we get.”

Cycle Organiser Fergal Flynn said the cyclists were delighted to be supporting Brother Kevin.

“The cycle to Belmullet will be one small contribution to the Centre and is open to those of all abilities,” he added.

“The more people that take part, the more money we can raise to help the Capuchin Day Centre and the great work it does.”

The Capuchin Day Centre has been helping those without shelter and food in Dublin since 1969. Their services include meal provision for up to 500 people every night of the week. 

The Cycle for Brother Kevin event has been running since 2010. Anybody interested in registering for the cycle or donating funds, can visit www.cycleforbrokevin.ie.