CORCORAN’S Furniture & Carpets Ltd. launched their charity of the year partnership with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) on Valentine’s Day.
This is a landmark year for the company as they celebrate their 25th anniversary this August. In honour of this special year, Corcoran’s has partnered with their chosen charity AADI, to raise much needed funds, and to give back to the community.
The launch of the charity partnership took place in Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets Ltd. Killarney store, and included a visit from AADI dog handler Elaine Buckley, Community Engagement Manager, as well as the star of the event, one of AADI’s ambassador dogs, Willis, who is a beautiful chocolate labrador.
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Speaking at the launch of the charity partnership, founder and Managing Director, Kieran Corcoran, said: “We are thrilled to launch our charity of the year partnership with Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland on Valentine’s Day 2024, and we look forward to fundraising across our five stores, including Killarney, Cahersiveen, Newcastle West and our two stores in Tralee.”
“This is a very important year for the company as we will be celebrating our 25th Anniversary this August. We wanted to give something back to the community, and our Corcoran’s team chose Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland as the recipient of our fundraising initiatives across 2024. AADI is a very worthy charity that makes a significant impact on the lives of children with autism and their families, and we look forward to supporting them, and to raising as much funds as possible.”
Vasya Ponomarev, Corporate Partnerships & Philanthropy Manager with AADI, gave a synopsis of where the funds will be allocated, and the difference that this will make to children with autism and their families.
Vasya said: ‘We are delighted that Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets Ltd. have chosen Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) as their charity partner of the year. AADI provides specially trained assistance dogs to help protect children with autism. The dog’s priority is the child’s safety while also promoting independence and reducing anxiety.
“Thus, allowing the child to be included in everyday situations that they would otherwise find overwhelming. We cater to high-risk children; they may bolt off into traffic and get into dangerous situations without any sense of danger.”
“Our dogs act as an anchor, the child is attached via a gentle lead to the dog stopping any chance of bolting. To quote one of our clients her child is an ‘’escape artist’’. If they see somewhere they want to get to, they will find a way.”
“We have had instances where children who are non-verbal and on the cusp of speech start to speak after receiving one of our dogs. We have partnered up with our communities across Ireland to provide these incredible dogs to families who need us most.”
“Our charity does not receive any government funding. It costs €25,000 over the span of two years to train one of our dogs, and we do not charge families a cent for this life changing service. The funds raised from this new partnership with Corcoran’s Furniture & Carpets Ltd. will go directly towards the training of an assistance dog, this will change a child’s life as well as the lives of their loved ones.”
The team at Corcoran’s Furniture have a suite of fundraising events planned between now and December 2024, and they hope to raise as much funds as possible for this very worthy cause.
For more information and AADI puppy updates, please follow Corcoran’s Furniture social media channels. For more information on Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI): https://www.autismassistancedogsireland.ie/about-us
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KERRY County Council has been called upon to ensure inclusion for all by providing funding and lands where feasible for the development/ extension of playgrounds for children with disabilities and designated walks and amenities in a safe and quiet environment for children with Autism.
