Christmas Dash to raise cash for charity
The Cavan Christmas Dash is hoping to break the 600 participants mark this year when walkers and runners meet up on Main Street on St Stephen’s Day. Two groups will benefit from the event this year - Cavan Autism Parents Support Group (CAPS) and Save Our Sons and Daughters (SOSAD), the suicide awareness charity.
One again, it will take place on Monday, December 26, starting off from the Farnham Arms Hotel, Main Street, Cavan, at 12 noon.
Last year over €11,200 was raised for the local Cystic Fibrosis support group. Raymond Dunne of Cystic Fibrosis Cavan said: “The Cavan Christmas Dash has become an icon to the presence and power of goodness and generosity within our community. By the leadership of its organisers who unstintingly gift their time, talents and energy, it continues to raise and channel much needed funds to local charities.”
The Christmas 2015 donation helped fund the Cavan branch of CFI branch’s contribution of €450,000 to the €1.1M project that the branch, in partnership with the HSE, is developing at Cavan General Hospital.
Organiser Liam Mimnagh thanked everyone who has been a part of the Dash. “The support we have received from people over the last five years has been incredible. By turning out on a St Stephen’s morning, over €38,000 has been generated for local charities,” he said.
Liam added that it is a great opportunity to get out, meet people, have a chat and try beat that guy or gal that slipped past you last year. “We have as many walkers taking part in the 5k event, which is great. The distance is short and sweet and served by footpath all the way around the route. We’d love to see all the local walking groups from the Bailieborough Walking Group to the Walkie Talkies in Ballinagh coming out and mingling with our regular walkers and runners,” urged Liam.
Operation Transformation
With Operation Transformation kick-starting on RTÉ in the New Year, the Cavan Sports Partnership is supporting a number of Community Transformation walking groups across the county such as Kilnaleck, Virginia and Cootehill. The organisers hope to see community groups joining in the Dash this St Stephen’s Day.
Registration
Registration for the Dash is available online at www.cavanchristmasdash.ie until 6pm Christmas Eve, but participants can register on the morning of the race from 10:30am until 11:50am. The race will start at 12-noon sharp.
A single adult entry is €15, online €13.99, junior (under 16) is €8, family (two adults and two kids under 16) €44, online €36 and a family of four adults is €50, online €45.
About the charities
CAPS supports the parents, carers, children and young adults with autism in Cavan and is currently working with 72 families across the county. The group hosts a range of events such as 'Getting to Know You Mornings’ in the Community Crèche in Ballyjamesduff on the first Wednesday of every month.
SOSAD provides 24-hour support in suicide prevention, awareness and bereavement as well as supporting people suffering with depression.
SOSAD Cavan offers free professional counselling to over 100 people on a weekly and fortnightly basis and operates a drop in centre from 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday. A 24-hour phone service is also available on 049-4326339.