ABC Campaign for Deaf Enterprises (DE)
Mike McGrath, Managing Director of ARVO has been recently appointed as Chairperson of DE’s voluntary Board of Management and is leading a great team making an impact to the training, skills development and employment opportunities for the Deaf community in Ireland.
Through ABC Campaign for Deaf Enterprises (DE) we would like to create AWARENESS of DE, before recruiting some BENEFACTORS (for their skills/expertise) before Mike undertakes an Ironman CHALLENGE in late September (to raise some much needed funds for DE).
Awareness
Deaf Enterprises is a not-for-profit social enterprise, and Ireland’s only dedicated employer of members of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (D&HH) Community. DE’s current services offer Furniture Re-Upholstery, such as Seat and Couch re-covering, Vintage Car, Motorbike, Marine, Boat and Leisure Craft upholstery and be-spoke Cushion manufacturing made to order, while also providing French Polishing for Tables, Chairs, Novelty Chairs and Dressers etc.
Benefact
Fundraising is a full time activity for all charities and DE have recently started a Development Committee to research donations to improve the working environment of our workshop. However my ask here is not for cash but for you to consider acting as a Benefactor to volunteer your skills and expertise to DE on a once-off or ongoing basis – you decide. Your knowledge, skills and expertise will have a significant impact to DE, so take note of our wish list here, outlining the skilled and professional help we require, to support the sustainability of DE and our unique role in the Deaf Community.
Challenge
Mike on participating in Ironman:
“I challenged myself in 2017 to complete an Ironman Triathlon in less than 12 hours – quiet ambitious since I have never swam 3.8KM, I have never cycled 180KM or ran a marathon (42KM) so it is an epic challenge to undertake all in one day (Ironman Barcelona on September 30th). I bought my first road bike 2 years ago (and started cycling with the Ironmen of Ballincollig), while I ran my first road race in March this year (Ballycotton 10 Mile) but I am motivated to complete this challenge as I am lucky to have the opportunity to raise Awareness and Funds for Deaf Enterprises”
You can keep an eye on Mike’s training log here but more importantly, please donate and support his challenge anseo; https://www.idonate.ie/
Thank you in advance for raising awareness of Deaf Enterprises, while supporting in cash or in kind, so as we can continue to remove the communication barriers with the Deaf Community and provide direct/indirect employment opportunities for at least 30 more years (considering DE’s upcoming 30 Year Anniversary).
Feel free to contact DE with your Furniture queries; www.deafenterprises.ie, or simply promote DE on Facebook (link) to create awareness of our excellent services (which will sustain the employment of our 22 person team).
PS: While all donations of €10 or more will be entered into a draw for a signed Cork City FC jersey.
