IN the past six months numerous fundraisers have been organised in a bid to get the community of Creeslough back on their feet.
Now Carrigart man, Brendan Vaughan is on a mission to give back to the voluntary organisations who responded on the day.
Brendan, who has been living in London for the past 41 years, is raffling a Massey Ferguson 135 Tractor that was donated to him by a Donegal family also living in London.
Brendan’s cousin, Hugh Kelly lost his life on the day of the explosion.
With close ties to Creeslough, raising money for those involved is something very close to Brendan’s heart.
Speaking to the Donegal News, Brendan said the four charities he is raising money for are all voluntary responder charities that are self-funded.
“Critical Emergency Medical, K9 Search and Rescue, Mevagh Fire Service and SARDA Ireland North are the beneficiaries of the draw,” he said.
Critical Emergency Medical is Ireland’s biggest Critical Care and Advanced Volunteer Doctor Emergency Response Charity providing pre-hospital emergency care to critically ill and injured patients.
K9 Search and Rescue are an air-scent search dog team who recently flew to Turkey to assist with the search and rescue mission following the latest Earthquake.
Mevagh Fire Service is a voluntary fire service in Carrigart, Donegal and SARDA Ireland is an emergency search and rescue organisation.
Launching the raffle at the Creeslough shop ‘Nearby’ on Friday, Brendan said they have already raised a massive amount of money, something Brendan is no stranger to.
Although nicknamed Brendan ‘Tiny’ Vaughan, he is described by Father John Joe as being the tiny man with a massive, kind and most generous heart.
In recent years Brendan has raised €50,000 for the Inishowen flood relief and a €100,000 for the treatment fund for the late Rocco McGinley.
Keen to raise as much money as he can this time round, Brendan is calling for volunteers to help him sell raffle tickets.
If you are interested in helping Brendan sell tickets for this very worthy cause contact him on 0044 7941 045767.
The tractor, which is being transported by JD Transport, will be at various locations in both Donegal and London in the next couple of weeks so keep your eyes peeled.
Raffle tickets cost €10 and the final draw will take place on November 26, 2023.
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