Athlone man's vending machine initiative launched

The official launch has taken place of an initiative in which people with disabilities manage vending machines in businesses and other organisations in Dublin. The project is the brainchild of Athlone man Ciaran Mannion, who developed it after seeing a blind man stocking a vending machine in his wife's native Minnesota. After being run on a trail basis in recent years, the initiative has come under the umbrella of the Ballymun-based Hand on Heart Foundation. Known as 'Vendability Enterprise' it was officially launched by Dublin's Lord Mayor Andrew Montague on Tuesday, August 2. Commenting on the initiative, Jamie Regan, CEO of Hand on Heart Enterprises stated: "People with disabilities have abilities, and we have to get away from this thinking that they can't work in certain jobs such as those in the hospitality and catering industry. "Our Vendability Enterprise will be the first non for profit business that will compete on the same terms as private vending companies." It is estimated there are over 20,000 vending machines in Ireland which are all serviced by private vending companies. Dublin's Lord Mayor Andrew Montague said: "Hand on Heart Enterprises has shown a new approach to employment for people with disabilities through a social enterprise that does not necessarily require government funding if businesses and local communities offer their support. "It is exciting to see how Hand on Heart Enterprises is looking at innovative ideas, such as vending machines, that have traditionally been only operated in the private sector." Every Hand on Heart vending machine includes the message: "Thank you, your purchase has just supported the employment of people with disabilities."