Leitrim GAA Supporting Others Fundraising May 16 Update

We are actively promoting the Leitrim GAA Supporting Others Fundraising Drive which is scheduled for Saturday next May 16.

To update you on the event we have set up a dedicated Facebook page to which we are encouraging supporters who will hopefully join the event on Saturday to post pictures of your participation in this event. The dedicated page is at  www.facebook.com/LeitrimGAASupportingOthers/

With regard to the beneficiaries of this fundraising venture, Pieta House and Sláinte 2020, while the majority of people here would be aware of the excellent services being provided by the Dublin based unit, perhaps less is known of Sláinte 2020 which is a partnership consisting of The Aisling Irish Centre, Emerald Isle immigration Centre, New York GAA, New York Irish Centre and United Irish Counties, five long-established Irish not-for-profit organizations that have solid reputations, strong track records and are well known and trusted by members of the Irish community. In April Sláinte 2020 has launched its fundraising website. It plans to harness the collective reach of well-known and long-standing Irish organizations to maximize fundraising to assist individuals and families adversely impacted by the COVID-19 crisis.

Already gaining much momentum, Sláinte 2020 has raised over $150,000 in three weeks, with an additional $15,000 pledged. Of this, $148,000 has been allocated in grants to date. A thorough review process ensures that all recipients demonstrate verified financial need. While this is a great start, the volume of applications pouring in indicates an even greater need for support in the Irish community than that originally anticipated. They have received over 450 applications in three weeks and estimate that $400,000 would be required just to meet current requests for support. Given that Sláinte 2020 is now receiving on average 30 applications per day, they project that goal figure to increase considerably in the coming weeks. Although construction work may resume shortly in New York, approximately TWO-THIRDS of their applicants work in the hospitality sector. Any financial reprieve for that sector in the foreseeable future is likely to come slowly and prove sorely inadequate to counter great hardships threatening them and their families.

At Leitrim GAA we have established very strong links with the Irish community over the years and indeed on our four trips stateside since 2003 to play in Connacht SFC in Gaelic Park. Our Main Team Sponsors Seamus and Caitríona Clarke are heavily involved in Sláinte 2020 and we view this fundraising effort as an opportunity to send something back.

We look forward to your participation on Saturday & our donation link is below.