Dining Room event to benefit Enable Ireland's Safari Club
CASTLEBAR chef Kevin Stirzaker and his team at the Dining Room on Bridge Street are holding a charity event to benefit the Enable Ireland Safari Club for children with disabilities, writes Tom Gillespie.
Popular publican and auld stock, Mick Byrne, of Byrne's pub, will be guest chef for the night under the watchful eye of Kevin and his team.
Up to 70 guests will be wined and dined with a specially selected menu over two dinner sittings on Tuesday next, February 28, at 6.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Local food and beverage suppliers are also supporting the night.
Kevin, originally from Manchester, moved to the west of Ireland over 20 years ago and while working in kitchens in Westport discovered he had a passion for cooking and went on to enjoy a very successful career as a chef.
Last November, Kevin and his team opened the Dining Room restaurant, and have been overwhelmed with the response to date.
Said Kevin: “I really want to acknowledge the Castlebar community for their support and generosity over the last three months. I heard about the great work that Enable Ireland do at the Safari Club and I wanted to support them.
“We have still a few places left for both sittings so contact Vanessa here at the Dining Room on (094) 9021861 and reserve your place for what will be a great night.”
Some 200 children with disabilities under the age of six and their families receive early intervention services at the Safari Club in Castlebar.
The service is provided in partnership with the HSE, Enable Ireland and the Western Care Association. Children attending benefit from vital therapy and support services, including physiotherapy, speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and pre-school supports.
Clare Lenehan, director of services, Enable Ireland Mayo and Galway, said: “Providing wheelchair accessible transport for children to get to and from the Safari Club and to take part in activities in the community is one of the vital services that we provide from the Safari Club.
“But we desperately need a new bus this year. We are dependent on the generous efforts of people like Kevin to raise the €50,000 we need to buy a new vehicle. I know the people of Castlebar will turn out in force to show their support.”
Dinner at the Dining Room is priced at €40 per person and tickets can be booked on (094) 9021861.
Enable Ireland children’s services in Mayo opened as the Safari Club in 2008 and now provides services to 200 children with disabilities under six years. The centre has a safari theme throughout with building, which is very popular with young visitors. The service, known as the Mayo Early Intervention Service (MEIS), is a partnership model with the HSE, Enable Ireland and the Western Care Association.
The services provided to children and their families include: physiotherapy, psychology, social work, paediatric community nursing, preschool supports, occupational therapy, speech and language therapy, early years advisors, in home family support, assistive technology, transport and hydrotherapy.
They also run a volunteer programme, special projects for children and a very successful Community Employment (CE) programme for 20 participants. The CE programme is funded by the DSP and has a very good progression record for the participants and is essential service to the smooth running of the Safari Club.
If you would like to get involved and help fundraise for the new bus please contact Joanne O’Hagan on johagan@enableireland.ie or (087) 9185072.