NAAS CREDIT UNION DONATES €22,200 TO COMMUNITY GROUPS
Naas Credit Union held its second Cecil Doyle Community Bursary awards last night (13th of November) and gave out €22,200 to local community groups. The awards were held at McAuley Place in Naas and were attended by over 80 people representing various community groups in Naas and the surrounding area.
The Cecil Doyle, Naas Credit Union Bursary is a grant scheme funded by Naas Credit Union Ltd and is available for community organisations or groups that operate on a not for profit basis, with the primary aim of community development. This is the second year for the bursary to be held and the Credit Union was delighted with the response and number of entries submitted by local organisations.
Eighteen bursaries were awarded to various organisations including sporting groups, heritage, tidy towns, musical groups and organisations that support young people and people with special needs. Chairman of Naas Credit Union, Peter Fullam said, “We got so many, very good submissions all worthy of monetary support and we are now delighted to be able to help many local organisations to continue their great work.”
Main Street Food Bank was awarded €5,000 which will enable them to purchase kitchen equipment for food storage and ‘drop in drums’ to allow people to donate food. The Order of Malta was awarded €2,000 which it will use to purchase mannequins and AED simulators to train members in CPR. €1,500 was awarded to Kill Tidy Towns which will be used to fund new plantations and equipment. Other groups who benefited from the bursary included: St. David’s Boxing Club, Two Mile House Neighbourhood Watch, Ardclough Community Council, Eireog Charra Choill Camogie Club, Monread Football Club, Naas Active Retirement Association, St. David’s Choir, The Wolftone Brass and Reed Band, Kill Ladies Gaelic Football, Naas Youth Arch Group, Club 4 U, 4th Kildare Scout Group, Irish Girl Guides – Naas Brownies and IGG Sallins, Brownies.
Sean Murray, General Manager of Naas Credit Union said, “There are so many unsung heroes working away tirelessly in our community, giving their time up free of charge and for no personal gain to themselves. These are the people who are the real legends and heroes in our society and we applaud them for their efforts and are very proud to be able to assist them by creating this bursary”.
The bursary has been named after Cecil Doyle (88) President and founding member of Naas Credit Union who gave over 42 years of service to the organisation and firmly believes in helping and supporting the local community. He attended the awards night with members of his family. The evening began with a drinks and canapés reception in the Arts and Culture Centre at McAuley Place. Guests enjoyed music by ‘Highly Strung’ a classical music duo comprising of a flute and harp player before the official proceedings commenced.