Award-winning social enterprise Spraoi agus Spórt has secured €300,000 from the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal grants for 2022 by the Community Foundation for Ireland.
They provide high quality inclusive social, recreational and educational activities for the community and focuses in on family development and having a positive impact on the local community and economy.
Spraoi Co-Founder and Chief Executive Helen Nolan said the grant will fund a new purpose-built Child and Family Hub for Carndonagh.
“We are thrilled to receive one of these Transformative Grants. We now have the opportunity to design a space specifically for the children and families of Inishowen,” she said.
“It’s very exciting imagine what that might look like for Carndonagh.
“A dedicated hub will be a game-changer for us and the families and children who use our services.
“It will allow us to expand our inclusive creative and play services, in one central customised location.
“For the first time we’ll have an outdoor space, ‘co-designed’ with the children, young people and families we work with.”
She also thanked everyone at the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal, the Community Foundation for Ireland and all who donated to the appeal.
Spraoi agus Spórt Chairperson Patricia Lee said that the funding is more than just a financial boost.
“It is an affirmation of everything we are doing here at our social enterprise,” she said.
“We are very grateful that the RTÉ Toy Show Appeal and Community Foundation have confidence in us to deliver for families and children in our area.”
Patricia said that the grant is also a real boost to the hardworking staff, board, facilitators and volunteers at Spraoi agus Spórt.
Last year, the Inishowen social enterprise secured funding of almost €10m for a regeneration project to revitalise Carndonagh, socially and economically. They received a grant of €8.2m from the Rural Regeneration & Development Fund, matched by €1.3m in funding from the Donegal County Council.
The project is due to begin this year and will include a digital creative hub, new youth space for teenagers, co-working and office spaces, a community kitchen and a sensory garden.
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