Pat Quinlan, chief executive, Milford Care Centre (3rd left) and Joe Murphy, Harvest Fair committee chairperson is joined by volunteers Frank and Kay McDonnell, Teresa Riordan, May Leo and Michael and Eoghan Foster collecting donations for the Harvest Fair. Photo: Keith Wiseman
The 32nd Milford Hospice Harvest is less than a week away and, after the deluge of last weekend, the organisers are praying for a return to blue skies and a day that garners a lot of support from the people of Limerick, Clare and North Tipperary.
While the containers at Milford are filling up with a wide selection of items generosity donated by supporters of the Hospice, a final appeal is now being made for even more donations and additional volunteers to ensure the fair’s continued success this year at the University of Limerick (UL) Sports Arena.
Organising chairman, Joe Murphy, “We are, as ever, seeking good-quality items for the stalls, including fancy goods, and toys. We would also welcome cakes, jams and groceries, bottles, plants and additional items for the Wheel of Fortune. We have out quote of books at this stage. All goods will be checked for quality before being accepted to minimise the major costs involved with the disposal of unsalable items, and I’m afraid we can’t accept electrical goods or furniture.
“These items can be dropped at Milford Hospice between 9am and 8pm right through until 4pm on Thursday, August 24th. Only confectionary items will be accepted on the morning of the Harvest Fair.
The 32nd Milford Harvest Fair will open to the public from 11am on Sunday, August 27, with free admission for all and plenty of free parking around the world-class Sports Arena in UL.
The range of events and activities available on the day are too many to outline, but the following is a flavour of what one can expect items such as the Books Stall, Fancy Goods and the Toys Stall. In addition, there will be, as usual, a huge range of perennial favourites on site such as the Wheel of Fortune, Cakes, face painting, barbeques, vintage cars, and a puppet show which is new this year.
The Fair also features a food court and live entertainment, while the Grand Raffle, which takes place at 3pm at the entrance to the arena, features top prizes including a €1,000 One 4 All Gift voucher, a domestic CCTV System valued at €900, 40” Panasonic Smart TV value €600, an oil/fuel voucher for €250 and a Samsung Tablet and a Phillips Air Fryer. Details and tickets for this draw will be at the grand raffle stand beside the book stall.
Joe Murphy is confident that there’ll be lots for everyone to enjoy at the Harvest Fair this year. “The Harvest Fair Committee has been working hard in preparing for this event and we look forward to delivering another successful day. This will be the perfect family day out, as the Arena, with its superb indoor and outdoor facilities, really makes the fair weatherproof. I would urge the public to continue its loyal support of the Harvest Fair and we welcome everyone especially those who have not visited before.”
With so many members of the public expected to attend, safety and convenience are paramount, so the event will be stewarded, and there will be First Aid and medical treatment facilities on site.
The Harvest Fair is Milford Hospice’s single largest fundraising event. Chief Executive Pat Quinlan said that he continues to be amazed and delighted at the huge number of people who attend the fundraiser.
“There is tremendous goodwill towards Milford Hospice and this is most affirming and strengthens our resolve to deliver the best service we can to the people of the Mid-West, which is no less than they deserve,” Mr Quinlan said.
The Harvest Fair Committee is appealing for volunteers to work with them on the day, whether helping with traffic, on the stalls or stewarding; your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Please contact the Fundraising Department to register your interest in becoming a volunteer on the day. To offer your help, visit www.milforcarecentre.ie or contact the fundraising department on 061 485859/485860 or email: fundraising@milfordcarecentre.ie
