Milestone birthday party becomes a novel fundraiser for Tipperary based addiction service

A milestone birthday celebration yielded a much needed donation for a crucial addiction service set up in Tipperary over 40 years ago.

Family, friends and business associates of David Anchell, Managing Director and founder of Camida whose headquarters are in Clonmel, gathered recently to mark his 70th birthday.

In advance of the celebration held at the Cashel Palace Hotel, David Anchell invited his guests to make a donation to Aiséirí rather than give him a present for his birthday.
He set up a designated GoFundMe page for the birthday donations to Aiséirí and those invited to his party responded generously to the novel way of fundraising.

Aiséirí, an addiction service for young people, adults and families was founded by the inspirational Sister Eileen Fahey in Cahir in 1983,
The demand for the services is even greater today than what it was in the early eighties.
The headquarters of the service is still in Cahir and there are now centres based in Wexford, Kilkenny and Waterford and people from all over Ireland use the services.
The origins of the novel birthday idea came about through a simple knock on the door of the Camida offices on The Quay in Clonmel.

Philomena Fogarty, Development and Engagement Manager at  Aiséirí called to the offices of Camida and asked David Anchell would the company be interested in supporting the work being carried out by Aiséirí.
Arising from that conversation a most enjoyable, pain free and successful way of raising money for a good cause was create
“I was aware of the good work that Aiséirí was doing but I was apologetic that we have never included Aiséirí in the financial support that we give to organisations in the community annually. We recognise a lot of the good work that is being done in the community and we support good causes. Somehow we missed Aiséirí,” said David Anchell.
“Philomena calling in to our office was fortuitous as it was before my 70th birthday. I did not want to receive gifts from the people I invited so I set up the GoFundMe page for Aiséirí and I asked people to donate to that page rather than give me a present,” said David.

“I would like to thank people for being so kind and supportive of Aisiri. It was a nice way to raise money, it did not hurt anybody and we have raised 10,000 for Aiseiri.My friends were aware of the good work of Aiséirí and they were happy to support such a good organisation. It was enjoyable as well as we all saw the progress taking place on the GoFundMe page in the build up to the birthday” said David.
“I am very pleased with how it all turned out and more than happy with the decision taken to help out Aiséirí in this way,” said David Anchell.

Philomena Furlong was also delighted with how everything worked out.
“It was a simple idea. I have not come across anything like this before and it was the first time this kind of fundraiser was held for Aiséirí,” she said.
“It was unique and enjoyable for everybody. It was a great night and all of the guests at the party were very positive about the idea,” said Philomena.
She is hoping that some of those guests, and any members of the public might consider doing likewise if they had a milestone birthday on the way.