The new Enable Ireland Charity shop on Main Street in Castlebar opened last Friday with a vibrant community celebration.
Fifteen-year-old Ruairi Craig, from Knockmore, Ballina, who attends Enable Ireland services in Mayo, was joined by Mayo senior footballer Matthew Ruane to cut the ribbon and officially launch the new shop.
Enable Ireland has provided community-based services to children and adults with physical disabilities and their families in Mayo since 1992. For 25 of those years, it has had a presence in Castlebar with its charity shop on Hopkins Road, but the shop has now relocated to a larger premises on Main Street.
Commenting on the launch of the new shop, Matthew Ruane said:
“It was a pleasure to accompany Ruari and the young people who attend Enable Ireland’s children services in Mayo to launch the charity’s new shop in Castlebar. Enable Ireland has been making a positive impact in Mayo since before I was born. They provide vital support services to those with disabilities in our local community. Their new charity shop on Main Street is well worth browsing and by buying an item in the shop you’ll be supporting these services too!”
In Mayo, Enable Ireland runs a Connected Home Support and transport service for children with disabilities. The service provides individual in-home support and group respite sessions. It also provides a transport service to bring children to and from activities in the local area. Approximately 80 children living in Mayo avail of the service. All of the profits from the Enable Ireland shop in Castlebar support these services.
Suzanne Doocey, Outreach Respite Manager, Enable Ireland Mayo Children’s Services, said:
“The children from our services had a fantastic time at the Castlebar launch party. Enable Ireland charity shops, like the one here in Castlebar, play an important role in ensuring we can continue to deliver our services. Our in-home support and group respite sessions are essential to the children and families who rely on them. We are very grateful to the customers who support these services by regularly shopping at the Castlebar charity shop.”.
Enable Ireland’s Castlebar charity shop opening event included entertainment for all ages and light refreshments. Those in attendance had the opportunity to have their photo taken with Mickey Mouse while jellies and bubbles were handed out to children. Local businesses supported the launch of the new charity shop by donating vouchers which lucky attendees won by taking part in a “golden ticket” hunt. The entertainment was topped off by live traditional music from local musicians, Sean Healy and Friends.
Mary Hynes, Enable Ireland Area Manager, said: “We’re delighted to have officially launched in our new location on Mainstreet, Castlebar. A huge thank you to our neighbours, the residents and businesses of Castlebar, who turned out to support the opening of our new shop. It was a fun-filled afternoon. Our team of staff and volunteers worked hard to put this event together and I think that showed!
“If you weren’t able to join us for the launch party, please pop in to say hello and have a browse. There are lots of interesting, high-quality, and stylish treasures to find when you visit us. We update our stock regularly so there’s always something new to be found!”
Enable Ireland has a network of 28 charity shops around Ireland, selling a range of pre-loved, new and vintage clothing and accessories at bargain prices. Their new charity shop on Main Street in Castlebar is open Monday to Saturday, 9.30am to 5.30pm.
Visit www.enableireland.ie to find out more about Enable Ireland.