Dawn Meats and the 2,000 farmers who attended the recent Open Day at Newford Farm in Athenry, Co. Galway have teamed up to raise over €2,000 for the Ronald McDonald House Charity (RMHC).

Yesterday at the Bloom BBQ Bliss stand sponsored by Dawn Meats, Marian Carroll CEO RMHC received a cheque from Paul Nolan for the funds raised during the open day.

One year on, after being awarded a Gold Medal in the Concept Garden Category at Bloom 2015, some of the key features of the Bloom garden which were transferred to Crumlin, are still enjoyed by staff, volunteers, parents and families.

Commenting on the collaboration, Paul Nolan, Group Development Manager, Dawn Meats said: “We have worked with the Ronald McDonald House for many years now, and continue to be inspired by the support given by RMHC during the illness of a child. Anyone who has had the opportunity to visit the Ronald McDonald House, will be aware of it’s very special atmosphere and we continue to encourage others to show their support and offer assistance to this most worthy cause.”

Commenting Marian Carroll, Volunteer CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charity said: “We opened the first Ronald McDonald House in November 2004, and since then, we have provided accommodation, care and support for families from all over Ireland. Families stay for a few days, a few weeks and in many cases for many months. Our recent attendance at the Newford Open day is just one of the ways we try to raise awareness in the broader community, of the work we do to assist families experiencing challenges in their lives”

Since 2014 the Ronald McDonald House Charity has worked to keep families close to their sick child by providing a “home from home” with home-cooked meals, accommodation and a welcome living environment on the grounds of Crumlin Children’s Hospital. The ethos of the House is to give families the practical supports to stay together and assist each other when faced with serious or long-term illnesses.

Dawn Meats provide quality meats to assist with the House Meal Program and is a long-term supporter of the charity. 

Pictured: Paul Nolan, Group Development Manager, Dawn Meats and Marian Carroll, Volunteer CEO of Ronald McDonald House Charity standing next to one of the BBQ mascots on the Dawn Meats-sponsored BBQ Bliss stand at the Bloom 2016 festival.