There’s another boutique store for Mallow and North Cork fashionistas to check out with the recent opening of the Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland (AADI) charity store at their new headquarters on Shortcastle Street. The charity held a donation day on November 30th but the donations didn’t stop then. “Now that we are visibly present in the centre of Mallow town, people are still bringing us in some fantastic donations for the store”, says Breeda Clancy, AADI director of fundraising.
“We really wanted this to be a charity shop with a difference. We’ve styled it as a vintage treasure trove and we think the clothes, bags, shoes and accessories that we have on display may really surprise people. You could find anything from top designer Ted Baker, Spanish label Desigual or French Connection”, says Breeda.
The store had some famous faces dropping in to check it out on launch day, including Minister Seán Sherlock, Mayor of Mallow Dan Joe Fitzgerald and newly elected Chamber President Mary Kelly. “Mallow has a tradition of supporting charity ventures and it’s great to see AADI’s hard work not only resulting in a permanent HQ in the town centre, but also marking their expansion as they open their new shop. In fact, a few pieces have already caught my eye!” says Mary.
AADI are preparing to celebrate their 2nd birthday in April and this latest development is a testament to the support of all those who constantly fundraise for the charity to ensure they can continue to train dogs to the highest of standards to assist autistic children.
Training manager Nuala Geraghty feels the charity shop is just the latest way to keep funding AADI’s work “We are not Government funded and therefore depend hugely on fundraising to maintain the charity’s operations. It costs €15,000 to train one dog, when food, vet bills and housing are taken into account. We hope that our store will provide another revenue stream to ensure we can continue to change the lives of children and families dealing with autism.”
The charity’s 2012 calendar, which features the dogs which have changed lives and those in the puppy fostering scheme and was recently launched by Munster rugby star Ronan O’Gara, will also be on sale in the store and donations are still being taken.
For any queries about donations, please contact AADI on 022 43851. You can also keep up to date with AADI on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @autismdogsirl and check out their website at www.aadi.ie