Fundraising effort towards emergency hub at South Roscommon centre
by Kevin O'Neill
Efforts are ongoing in the South Roscommon community of Lecarrow to raise funds for essential devices and facilities that will aim to safeguard the needs of residents during times of electricity or water outages
The committee of the St John's Community Centre is currently holding its first fundraising effort in four years - an online draw - as it seeks to raise enough money to invest in various enhancements to its community hub.
The committee's main priority is the purchase of a large diesel back-up generator, which will provide a reliable back-up power source during storms or other power outages.
The generator, it is hoped, will provide a community hub for cooking, showers, heat and charging during times of power outages. The committee said the purchase price of the generator stands at €10,000.
David Diffley, the committee's chairperson and PRO, said: "St John’s Community Centre has not held a fundraiser in nearly four years, and are now seeking support for an important new project that will strengthen our role in the community.
"The generator will ensure that the centre can remain fully operational when electricity is unavailable, allowing it to serve as a vital hub for the local area in times of need.
"With this back-up system in place, the centre will be able to offer warmth, cooking facilities, hot showers, charging points for phones and medical devices, and other essential services to residents affected by outages.
The committee has so far raised just under €5,000 through its iDonate webpage and David said the importance of vital community spaces during emergencies has been clear for everyone to see at certain times in recent years.
"By investing in this generator, we are investing in the safety, comfort and resilience of our entire community," he said.
As well as a new generator, the committee also plans to invest funds raised in new signage, flag-poles and outside maintenance at the centre at a total cost of €2,000.
There are also further plans for general maintenance and purchase of extra tables and chairs for larger events, as the centre is currently borrowing such items from neighbouring community centres for large events/functions.
Those improvements, said the committee, will cost €3,000. Any remaining funds raised will go to general improvements to ensure the centre is maintained to its current high standard into the future, said David.
The closing date for entries into the ongoing online fundraiser is Wednesday, March 18 (9pm) with a draw taking place shortly after on the night to pick the lucky winner, who can choose either a €1,000 voucher for Ward’s Hardware, Roscommon, a €1,000 voucher for Ganly’s Hardware, Athlone or €1,000 in cash.
Links to the draw are available on the club's iDonate page, or through the St John's Community Centre Facebook page.