Events postponed and cancelled
Several events on Leeside have been cancelled in light of the spread of Covid-19.
A Mother’s Day fundraiser planned for later this month has been postponed with organisers now aiming for a September event.
The lunch at Radisson Blu Hotel, planned for 22 March, was due to kickstart fundraising for a neonatal sanctum and parents’ room at CUMH but organisers have deferred it until 6 September.
Organised by volunteer Mary Hopkins, a special ambassador with CUH Charity, she said: “Despite a gratifying response from the general public and outstanding support from local sponsors, I feel that responsible citizenship must take centre stage at this time, as we ride out this temporary threat to societal health. Deferring the lunch is the sensible thing to do at this stage, and I know people will rally round the project again in September.”
Professor John Higgins, Clinical Director of CUMH, in supporting the deferral, said: “Building these important compassionate places clearly demonstrates that new-borns and their families are at the very core of the service provided by CUMH. We know the people of Cork will support the deferral of this event and row in behind us in bringing this project to fruition as quickly as possible.”
In the meantime, people can donate at cuhcharity.ie.
Meanwhile this year's Marketing Institute of Ireland Cork Maritime Ball 2020 was also cancelled.
Jerry Crowley, one of the organisers, said: “Unfortunately, due to the onset of Covid-19 in Ireland, the Marketing Institute of Ireland Cork Maritime Ball 2020, which was due to take place on 2 March is cancelled. The health, wellbeing and safety of our attendees is paramount, and we are not in a position to take any unnecessary risk at this time.”
All tickets will be fully refunded.
Also, the Irish Cancer Society has taken the decision to cancel all Daffodil Day street collections and events, which is one of its largest annual fundraisers.
It had been scheduled for 27 March but Averil Power, CEO, said the charity made the decision to protect the health and wellbeing of patients, volunteers and supporters.
“We also want to focus all our energies on providing cancer patients and their families with the information, advice and support they need at this time,” she added.
Meanwhile the Cork Lifelong Learning Festival due to take place from 29 March to 5 April has been postponed as well as the launch planned for today, 12 March.
Cork Learning City Lifelong Learning Festival Coordinator, Siubhán McCarthy said: “It is with a heavy heart that we need to postpone this year’s Cork Lifelong Learning Festival, however, the welfare of attendees, hosts and participants is our primary concern.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our funders, sponsors, hosts and friends for their preparation, planning and support over the past few months. We look forward to working with you in the future.”