Lough Derg kayak fundraiser for children’s charity
Kayaking for CARI will take place on in September with paddlers setting off from Garrykennedy
A new kayaking challenge on Lough Derg will start from Garrykennedy this September, with organisers inviting paddlers from across Ireland to take part while raising funds for a children’s charity.
Kayaking for CARI will take place on Saturday, September 5, with participants setting off from Garrykennedy for a 20-kilometre paddle across Lough Derg to Flanagan's on the Lake, Killaloe.
The event is open to water sport enthusiasts including kayakers and canoeists and will be supported by an experienced water safety team throughout the route.
Places are limited to 50 participants. The registration fee is €50, and participants are encouraged to raise at least €250 in sponsorship.
After completing the challenge, participants and supporters will gather at Flanagan's on the Lake for a BBQ, live music, a raffle and spot prizes.
Organisers are encouraging individuals, kayaking and canoe clubs, community groups and workplace teams to get involved in what they hope will become an annual event on Lough Derg.
Funds raised will support the work of Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI).
Children at Risk in Ireland (CARI) is a national charity headquartered in Limerick, providing specialist therapy, support and education services for children, young people and families affected by child sexual abuse and children displaying sexually harmful behaviour.
For more than 35 years, CARI has worked alongside children and families to support recovery, build resilience and help create safer futures. Through specialist therapeutic services, education and advocacy, CARI works to ensure that the trauma of child sexual abuse never shapes a child's future.
Demand for CARI's vital services continue, with timely access to specialist support essential to ensuring children receive the help they need, when they need it most. At CARI, referrals relating to children displaying sexually harmful behaviour have increased significantly in recent years, reflecting the changing nature of the challenges facing children and families today.
Emer O'Neill, Chief Executive Clinical Officer of CARI, said: "Every child deserves the opportunity to build a future beyond abuse. At CARI, we see every day the life-changing impact that specialist therapy and support can have for children and families affected by child sexual abuse and children displaying sexually harmful behaviour."
“Events like Kayaking for CARI are about much more than fundraising. They bring communities together to raise vital funds while sending a powerful message to children and families that they matter, they are supported, and they deserve every opportunity to thrive. We are incredibly grateful to everyone who takes part, volunteers or supports the event, and we hope it will become a much-anticipated annual challenge that continues to grow year after year.”
Organisers are hoping that this inaugural event will become an annual fixture on the Lough Derg calendar.
Anyone interested in taking part or finding out more can register at the CARI website.