TWO Limerick women have been shortlisted for Ireland’s Charity Hero Award, a national prize honouring individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to good causes. Marion Fitzgibbon and Christyna Williams are among the ten people from across Ireland shortlisted for the prestigious Award, which is presented by The Wheel, the national representative body for community and voluntary groups, supported by EBS.
Marion founded the charity Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW) almost 30 years ago to rescue the stray, abandoned and abused animals that overran the city at that time. Over the years LAW grew into a large animal rescue organisation, and Marion instigated the establishment of an animal sanctuary in Kilfinane, Co. Limerick, as well as setting up charity shops to help fund the project.
Christyna is the founder of the Free to Good Homes and School Swap Shop Facebook Pages. These services have helped people from all over Ireland with day to day items such as sofas, washing machines, clothes and baby items.
Ireland’s Charity Hero Award is part of Better Together, a nationwide campaign which aims to make Ireland a better place to live by building support for charities, clubs and associations across the country.
Commenting on the announcement, Deirdre Garvey Chief Executive of The Wheel said: “Heroes like Marion and Christyna are the backbone of our communities. Their selfless contribution helps to make Ireland a better place to live in.”
The recipient of Ireland’s Charity Hero Award will be awarded a cash prize of €1,000 to donate to their chosen cause. The winner will be announced at the Better Together Awards in Dublin on Thursday, 6 December. See www.bettertogether.ie for more.
