By Dionne Meehan
A LOCAL trucker, renowned for ‘steering’ his efforts toward helping the community, has organised a fundraising truck run to ‘deliver’ much-needed support for those in need.
When the news broke last year that Raphoe Community Playgroup had to vacate their premises due to defective concrete blocks, St Johnston’s Colin Kilpatrick swooped in with the intention to ‘lighten the load’.
In 2023, the father of four began his fundraising journey by organising a truck run in the wake of the Creeslough tragedy at which he was one of the first on the scene.
Raising a whopping €118,045 for the affected families, he was overwhelmed by the success of the event.
Hoping for the same level of support this time around, the kind-hearted truck driver has organised a truck run, charity auction and dance to raise much needed funds for the playgroup and Donegal Hospice.
Speaking to the Donegal News this week, Colin said: “All of my children went to the playgroup. The group has already moved out of the playschool and are renting another building but it is just not feasible.”
Moving into the premises almost 25 years ago after multiple fundraising efforts, in recent times the staff had to make the very difficult decision to vacate the property due to safety issues.
Fiona McCrabbe, Manager of Raphoe Community Playgroup said: “We have moved into a temporary community hall. It is not ideal but we are very glad to have somewhere that we can still provide the service to the children. The children in Raphoe have a right to their early years education and we made a promise that we would continue to do that.”
But with just a one year lease on their temporary location, the playgroup needs support now more than ever.
“We have nowhere else to go,” Fiona said.
“We need help.”
Kicking off from Raphoe at 3pm on Saturday, February 8, trucks will make their way to the Clanree Hotel in Letterkenny where an auction and dance will follow.
Doors will open at 7pm and there will be music from Paul Kelly and band, Paddy Tracey and Karl Kilpatrick followed by JD Disco.
Early registration for the event is advised and entry per truck is €30.
For further information contact Colin Kilpatrick on 0851059155.
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