THE organisers of the Mary From Dungloe Festival are calling on people across the world to donate €2 to help sustain its future.
Due to Covid-19 the beloved ten day festival has been cancelled for the first time in its 53 year history. In a bid to ensure its return in 2021 the committee has launched the Save Our Festivals Together (SOFT) campaign, an initiative that recognises businesses will not be in a position to support and sponsor events as they have done so generously in the past.
To alleviate the pressure on local shops, businesses and community groups, the Mary committee is instead asking each festival fan to donate €2, £2, $2 or whatever currency they have to help ensure the festival’s return next year.
Over the years Mary From Dungloe has grown into a global celebration to the point where it now attracts tens of thousands of visitors from all over the world. From it have sprung other smaller festivals in Burtonport, Maghery and Meenacross which all take place during the Mary From Dungloe period.
Running the SOFT appeal will be past, present and future Mary from Dungloe winners and contestants. They have taken part in a series of short videos encouraging people to get searching down the back of the sofa, in an old handbag or even in the washing machine for that all important €2.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE: https://www.facebook.com/MaryFromDungloeFestival/videos/276599253521039/
Mary From Dungloe Committee Chair Anthea Atkinson said, “Every donation is welcome and if we all come together we can help save and support the festivals for 2021. Saving the festivals is vital for the economy of the Rosses as well as to for the heritage and culture we are so proud of. It also means that we can give back to the towns for all the support and sponsorship they have given us over the years.
“So we encourage everyone who loves the festival to be SOFT, to keep the Mary From Dungloe International Festival and our Rosses communities strong.”
Making a donation is both quick and easy and can be done online via PayPal. Simply go to the Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival website maryfromdungloe.ie and follow the link. There is also a Go Fund Me Page if you would like to donate as a family – www.gofundme.com/f/soft-save-our-festivals-together. To make a donation in person, the committee can be contacted at mfdfestival@gmail.com, For more information check the Mary From Dungloe International Arts Festival Facebook page.
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