NI comedian Paddy Raff launches fundraising appeal for Special Olympics

One of Northern Ireland’s well-known faces, comedian Paddy Rafferty is asking the public to help raise £30,000 for Special Olympics throughout May.
Paddy Raff with his sister Sarah at the launch of the Special Olympics Collection Day campaginPaddy Raff with his sister Sarah at the launch of the Special Olympics Collection Day campagin
Paddy Raff with his sister Sarah at the launch of the Special Olympics Collection Day campagin

The fundraising target is needed to enable the charity to continue its support of the 1,811 children and adults living with an intellectual disability across Northern Ireland.

For the second year running, Special Olympics annual Collection Day campaign, which culminates on May 28, will go virtual in response to COVID-19.

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The amount raised will enable Special Olympics to support its clubs and create additional material to keep its athletes connected, until is safe for them to meet in person again.

Commenting on the initiative, Paddy Rafferty said: “The Special Olympics athletes are truly inspirational so, I’d like to ask the public to get on board and support the appeal – whether that’s by making a text or an online donation or organising a virtual fundraiser. All the money raised will go to the Special Olympics clubs so they can continue to do a fantastic job and offer a social and health lifeline to their athletes.”

Shaun Cassidy, Special Olympics regional director for Ulster added: We really hope that we can welcome our athletes back to the clubs very soon, but now more than ever we need the support of the public, to make a donation or set up an online fundraiser, so we can continue to support our athletes in reaching their full potential and prepare them for the eagerly anticipated return to clubs.”

People from across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to donate £4 by texting Athlete to 70085 or to visit cantstopnow.ie to make a donation or organise a virtual fundraising event.

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