It’s all-systems-go in Kilbrin as a project which was initiated locally to assist cocooners during lockdown is set to become a county-wide fundraising drive for Cork Penny Dinners.
Since April 19th, a dedicated group of bakers and drivers have stepped up to the plate and delivered delicious home baking to over 100 households in Kilbrin every Sunday.
“We will continue with this until June 7th after which the next phase of the reopening of the country is set to take place” Margaret O’ Callaghan who co-ordinates the initiative told The Vale Star. “Our visits are the highlight of the day for the cocooners and they are all eager to do something in return for the group of people who have been so kind to them throughout the past six weeks” Margaret explained.
With this sentiment in mind, the group has decided to organise a ‘Major Bake’ which will be undertaken by all Kilbrin residents on June 14th, with all donations going to Cork Penny Dinners. From there, the group will launch their major fundraising drive where they hope to get every parish in Duhallow involved, and thereafter all communities throughout the county.
“We are starting in the Barony of Duhallow and so far the parishes are rolling in behind us. Penny Dinners feed over 500 people every day throughout the county – that’s a staggering total of more than 182,500 meals per year and demand is growing,” Margaret O’ Callaghan explained.
“The intention is to take in baking, perishable goods and money donations (for which receipts will be given) and deliver to Penny Dinners on the day of collection. If every town and village get involved and take their turn, it would mean our turn would only come around once in every 5 years. We hope that the various clubs within towns and villages will all work together to ensure this drive achieves the success it deserves,” she added.
To date, the Kilbrin group has received commitment from clubs in Duhallow to cover every week from June 14th to the end of August, with more to come on board at the time of going to print. “Once Duhallow has been covered, which should see us into October at the earliest, we will concentrate on North Cork where we already have a commitment from some parishes” Margaret explained.
“This is the ideal time to get this up and running. At the moment we can’t look forward to our normal Sunday activities, so people have time on their hands. The demand for supplies at Penny Dinners is always big and they have assured us that they have ample space for supplies. People have always been very generous and I’ve no doubt that they will answer the call once again, no donation is too big or too small and will be greatly appreciated” Margaret said.
Readers who would like to take part in this initiative can contact Margaret O’ Callaghan; 087 2741624 (email margaret.ocallaghan3591@gmail.com), Ben O’Dea 087 12 45 472 (email; bennymick1968@gmail.com), or Katrina Cullinane (email; katrinacullinane@yahoo.com).