The local Action Cancer branch would like to thank all customers for their continued support. Throughout the last year the local Action Cancer shop has helped to raise £10,000 through donations of clothing and bric-a-brac items. Further donations are very welcome. Opening Hours for the Action Cancer shop are:

• Tuesday: 11am – 2pm
• Wednesday: 10am – 1.30pm
• Friday: 11am – 2pm

Congratulations to the pupils, parents and staff of St Columba’s Primary School (Straw) on raising an impressive total of £1196 for the Trócaire Global Gift appeal through donations rather than giving Christmas presents to one another.

St Mary’s Primary School will be taking part in a Cash for Clobber collection in aid of school funds. Any unwanted clothes and shoes can be brought to the school in black bags on the morning of Tuesday 1st December. Your support would be appreciated.

Christmas Tea with Patsy O’Hagan and full supporting cast will take place in An Ráth Dubh on Sunday 13th December. Tickets cost £10 and all proceeds are in aid of Children in Crossfire.

Update: This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Apologies for any inconvenience.

The Christmas Carol Service will take place on Sunday 6th December at 6pm in Straw. There will be an opportunity during the Carol Service for you or your family to donate gifts to the St Vincent de Paul Christmas Appeal

Ballinascreen Early Years will be running a table quiz in the Market Inn on Friday 30th October at 9pm to help raise funds for the purchase of new play equipment for the group. Light refreshments will be served and there are prizes to be won. Everyone is welcome.

In March of this year, Kathleen Trolan departed for the shanty town of Mwbenti, in Cape Town, South Africa to work alongside 600 dedicated Irish volunteers (on behalf of the Niall Mellon Township Trust) on a week long Building Blitz to help build low cost housing for those most in need, raising over £8,000 in the process. Once again, Kathleen will be leaving for South Africa to participate in a 1,000 strong team of volunteers in Wallacedene, Cape Town as part of Building Blitz 2009.

Wallacedene was formed in 1985 when the relaxtion of pass laws allowed people in rural areas to more readily migrate to urban centres. It has an estimated population of 68.000 people with approximately 9,000 shacks, a severe overcrowding problem and it one of the poorest townships in Cape Town – some of its inhabitants have been on housing lists for over 20 years. The levels of HIV/AIDS and Tuberculosis are extremely high with 1 in 3 suffering from HIV (particularly in those aged 13 and over). Any contributions to this well deserved cause from the people of Ballinascreen and beyond will help to make a difference.

Niall Mellon Township Trust Flickr photostream.

Seamus Kelly would like to thank all who helped raise a total of £650 at the recent fund-raising dance in the Sixtowns Community Centre in aid of Rose’s Gift and the Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity. If you wish, you can still donate at JustGiving

A dance in aid of Rose’s Gift will take place in the Sixtowns Community Centre on Wednesday 30th September from 9pm. Music by Larry & Co. Admission is £5 and everyone is welcome.

A Family Fun Day & Summer BBQ in aid of Naiscoíl/Gaelscoil na Speiriní will take place on Saturday 8th August at An Ráth Dubh, Moneyneena. On offer will be a selection of children’s entertainment, music and bar facilities. The event starts at 4pm and food will be served from 5pm – 7pm. Admission is £5 (and children under the age of 5 go free). Everyone welcome.