Stars roll up their sleeves for charity jumble sale
Philanthropist Norma Smurfit and celebrity chef Rachel Allen donned rubber gloves and swept through Ballymaloe with dusters to promote the Spring Clean For Charity event, which takes place in Cork City Hall on September 24.
It will feature bric-a-brac, trinkets and fashion, and the stalls will be manned by celebrities including Bill Cullen, Jackie Lavin, Lorraine Keane, and Cara O’Sullivan.
All funds raised will be donated to the Cork branch of St Vincent de Paul as it prepares for its busy Christmas period.
Brendan Dempsey, the regional president of St Vincent de Paul, said his organisation’s resources have been placed under enormous pressure in recent years. “But we are always humbled by the goodness of people when times are tough,” he said.
“The event in September is going to help us so much as we prepare for a very challenging Christmas season and we would ask everyone to support in some way, either by taking a stand, perhaps donating unwanted bric-a-brac or volunteering on the day.”
Ms Smurfit encouraged people to look around their own homes, offices, attics and garages to clear out unwanted belongings which could be sold at the event.
“The response we have received from Cork already has been amazing, but not surprising,” Ms Smurfit said.
“Everyone said when we brought the event to Cork, we would get a very warm welcome.
“Already so many people have pledged their support by taking stalls at the event,” she added.
Caroline Counihan and her team of managers from Brown Thomas in Cork, and several members of the Network Cork business women group will be among those manning the stalls.
“St Vincent de Paul, now more than ever, needs our support and Spring Clean For Charity is a fun way, with friends, family or colleagues, to raise funds that will go directly to people in need in Cork,” she said.
Stalls are free of charge on the day, but all proceeds must go to the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Cork.
* You can register your interest and book a stall at springcleanforcharity.ie.
