A campaign has been launched to raise a staggering €1M to save an east Donegal community playgroup which is facing certain closure over its defective blocks issue.
Raphoe Community Playgroup has been in operation for over 40 years, however, its building is to be ‘condemned’ at the end of June due to safety concerns.
Since 1982, thousands of children and their families have availed their services. In 2009, they were the first group in Donegal to be awarded a Quality Assurance Award. After years of fundraising, they opened their purpose-built building in 2000.
“Unfortunately, the building we fought hard for has been tested for defective blocks,” explains Fiona McCrabbe, the group’s manager.
“Following a meeting on Saturday with the engineer we were given the devastating news that, in his expert opinion, we will not be able to reopen in September and after our closure in June the building will be condemned. We are unable to join any redress scheme as we are classed as a commercial building. As of yet, we are unable to source any funding from any government body.”
You can donate to the campaign using the following link:https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SaveRCP
However, Ms McCrabbe and her committee are determined that their playgroup will not be forced to close. In order to save it, they have set up a page on the iDonate fundraising platform in the hope of raising a staggering €1 million.
“The children in our community have a right to an education, and in their own locality,” Ms McCrabbe added.
“To this end, we are asking you to donate as generously as possible, to enable us to rebuild our Playgroup which has been at the heart of this community for over 40 years.”
The group is also calling on all past, present and future students to join them on Sunday 21st April at 1pm to take a group photo in front of their current building.
“So even if you are not in the country but would like to show us your support, send someone on your behalf and get them to video call you when it’s time to take the picture,” they explained.
“Whether you attended playgroups in our current building, when it was at the Doctors surgery or even above the paper shop back all the way to 40+ years ago when the Playgroup started, we would love for you to join us and be part of this memorable occasion. We have all been a part of the Raphoe Community Playgroup family.”
They hope the event will bring the awareness that their playgroup needs. They also want the public, and the government, to see the thousands of families that have joined them on their journey.
For further information and updates, go to the Raphoe Community Playgroup Facebook page.
You can also donate using the following link: https://www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/SaveRCP
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