Two Ballinasloe Charities to benefit from the 2017 County Galway Mayoral Awards

Mayoral Charity Ball 2017 – Galway County
An Cathaoirleach of the County of Galway, Cllr. Michael Connolly, is hosting this year’s
County Mayoral Charity Ball on Sunday June 4th 2017 in the Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Oranmore.  The Sunday evening of the June Bank Holiday Weekend, will provide an opportunity for Guests, to enjoy a great evening while giving their support to three very worthy beneficiaries, Galway East Life Support; Ballinasloe Cancer Care Centre and the Irish Kidney Association.
 
Councillor Michael Connolly in launching the Mayoral Charity Ball noted ‘I have met with volunteers and staff of the Galway East Life Support, the Irish Kidney Association and Ballinasloe Cancer Care to learn about their commitment to supporting local people and have listened to those who have directly benefitted. It is with great honour therefore that, I am hosting the 2017 Mayoral Charity Ball to help support their services”.   Councillor Connolly commented that, ‘It is often, when the people we know are at their most vulnerable that you realise the importance of and the lasting impact such services can have’. 
 
The Cathaoirleach, Cllr. Connolly confirmed that ‘Funding raised by the hosting of the Mayoral Charity Ball, will directly benefit individuals and families in need of these vital services in East Galway and across the County”.  He added that, 'We have a great night's entertainment planned and our Guests can look forward to a great evening of food, dancing and music as well as supporting three very worthy beneficiaries.'
Guests and Sponsors of the County Mayoral Charity Ball will be contributing to:

GELS – Galway East Life Support
Galway East Life Support or GELS was formed in 2013 in response to the large number of suicides in the East Galway area.  Arthur Carr and Gerry Roche were founding members.  Based in Ballinasloe, the registered charity provides sign posting to the various support agencies available to those in a mental health crisis. The team of volunteers at GELS organise information events in the surrounding towns and villages, working to increase awareness of the signs of depression and self-harm and stressing the importance of local intervention.  Further information can be found at gelifesupport.com or on the Galway East Life Support Facebook Pages.
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Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre
Founded in 2009 by John Kilcommins, the Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre is a voluntary centre which provides physiological and emotional support for people with a cancer diagnosis and their families. Services are completely confidential, free of charge and open to everyone.  The Centre is assisted by an able team of volunteers providing a drop-in service for anyone impacted by a cancer diagnosis, educational support, emotional support, access to therapies and counselling.  Further information can be found on the Ballinasloe Cancer Support Centre Facebook Pages or by
calling 090 9645574.

Irish Kidney Association
The Irish Kidney Association (IKA) is a voluntary organisation founded nearly 40 years ago, with the aim of improving the quality of life of renal patients and to promote organ donation for transplantation, through the distribution of the multi-organ donor card.
The IKA supports both dialysis and kidney transplant patients through patient aid, counselling, holidays, their Support Centre beside Beaumont Hospital, information and education. There are 25 branches, run by volunteers, throughout the country, with head office at Donor House in Dublin 12. Further information on the IKA can be found at www.ika.ie.

The Charity Mayoral Ball will take place on Sunday June 4th in the Oranmore Lodge Hotel, Oranmore Co.Galway.  The evening will begin with a Drinks Reception at 7.30pm followed by Dinner at 8.15pm and entertainment provided by Shane Moore.   Tickets are €50 per person. 
There is a wide range of accommodation available in the area. 

Tickets may be purchased (or further information obtained) by contacting the Mayoral Office at
​Galway County Council – Tel: 091-509321.

Businesses or individuals interested in sponsoring the event may contact Anne-Marie on 087 9002824.
If you are unable to make it on the night you may wish to make a donation towards the worthy charities.