Council staff offer big HUGs to local charities

STAFF OF Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council have established a new charity initiative called ‘HUG’ (Hope U Give).

Council staff and retired members make voluntary contributions into the HUG fund which is then redistributed by way of donations to charitable causes as identified by its members.

This year the Red Door School in Monkstown was selected in the local category, and received a  cheque in May for €15,000 that was presented by HUG member Tom Byrne to the principal, Aedine Wall.

 “On behalf of The Red Door School Community I would like to sincerely thank all of the staff from Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council who generously contribute from their salaries and wages towards the HUG fund, which supports much needed charities such as our own,” Ms Wall said.

“We would also like to thank the HUG committee for selecting our school to be the beneficiaries of this year’s local grant.”

 The Red Door School provides for the education of children with Autism and complex needs in Monkstown. They rely heavily on generous fundraising to support their school and to ensure their pupils have access to the necessary resources to have an enjoyable and rewarding educational experience.

John Murphy, Chair of the HUG committee said: “HUG within Dun Laoghaire Rathdown is less than seven years in operation and it’s clear that from the smallest of gifts a huge change can be made to the lives of others, especially when many of us participate in the giving.

“This continues to be a fantastic project to be involved in, and our Hug members are all very proud of the fact that 100 per cent of all the money raised is given out in donations, and that over €105,000 has been awarded since 2011.”

 In these difficult times, the HUG fund continues to recognise that charities are responding to an increased demand for their services while struggling with reduced funding. 

 Staff of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown County Council who are HUG members say they are delighted to play such a positive part in supporting the excellent work of selected charities. 

Their HUG motto is: “We make a living by what we get, however, we make a life by what we give.”