Solas Centre South East Run for Life – looking for fundraising inspiration?

September is here, the kids are back to school and the South East Run for Life is less than a month away.

The annual 10 mile run, which takes place on Sunday, October 5^th,  is a week earlier this year, so that means a week less for training and a week less for fundraising.

The South East Run for Life differs from other events because, while it does not have a registration fee, it is a fundraising event for the South East Cancer Foundation and the more money raised, the more people and families affected by cancer can avail of the cancer support services at the Solas Centre.

As a registered charity, 100% reliant on donations, it is the generosity and commitment of the people of the South East that enables the South Eastern Cancer Foundation to continue and further improve the services it provides to those affected by cancer.

Claire Moriarty, Chair of the SERFL committee, is urging those who intend to partake in the 10 mile run to pick up sponsorship cards and start fundraising today.  “While the run does not have a registration fee, there is a cost to organise this event and that is why the fundraising effort is critical to the Centre’s continued success.”

“We are looking forward to seeing some fun, quirky, and just plain mad fundraising events over the coming weeks.”

“There are loads of tried and tested fundraising ideas that work so well for charities, but we have been warmly encouraged by many of our supporters who are raising funds through fun events.”

According to Claire, “Bank of Ireland Lisduggan will hold a Solas Centre Orange Day this month.  The branch will be decorated in a sea of orange, the staff will wear orange on the day and will be selling orange cupcakes in an attempt to fundraise for the Solas Centre.”
“The Sportif Cycling Club has organised a 200km cycle in the aid of the Solas Centre and we have been told that Book Clubs throughout the South East will hold fundraising events to raise money for the event.”

If you are taking part in the South East Run for Life on Sunday, October 5^th and are looking for some fundraising inspiration, you could try some of these:

·         Offer to walk neighbours/friends dog for a fee while training!

·         Organise lunch time walks – pay as you go!

·         Raise money by organising a training group with friends

·         Host a South East Run For Life pre event; BBQ/Lunch/Coffee Morning

·         Organise fun events with family and friends before the event e.g. egg and spoon race,         mini-  mini marathon around the estate/local area etc. 

·         Talks and demonstrations – e.g. book readings, cookery demonstrations

·         Sell unwanted gifts or clutter

Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer.  This year the Solas Centre aims to have 2,000 sponsored participants run, jog or walk the 10 mile route; that’s one runner, to match every person diagnosed.

The centre is a haven for those affected by cancer, where they can avail of confidential, informal and free support services such as counselling, psychotherapy therapy, massage, reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a professional manner.

Sponsorship cards are available to download at www.solascentre.ie, or can be collected from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford.  Alternatively you can visit Beat 102 103 studios or AIB branches.

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page or Twitter @solascentre

Solas Centre launches 2013 South East Run for Life

2012 saw almost 2,000 runners, walkers and joggers raise a staggering €286,000 for the Solas Centre and 2013 promises to be even bigger and better!

It’s time to get active and run for life once more. That is the call from the organisers of the Solas Centre South East Run for Life this week as they announced details of the 2013 event which takes place on Sunday October 13th.

Every year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny 2,000 people are diagnosed with cancer. That is why the organisers are hoping to garner the support of at least 2,000 participants to take part in aid of the Solas Centre.

The sixth annual South East Run for Life has become the highlight of the region’s sporting calendar and all funds raised will go towards the Solas Centre, which provides cancer support services for those affected by cancer, their families and their carers.

The Solas Centre moved to its state of the art facility at Williamstown, Waterford almost three years ago and is now regarded as the leading cancer support facility in the country. The centre is a haven for those affected by cancer who can avail of confidential, informal and free support services such as counselling, art psychotherapy therapy, message, reflexology and support groups provided by highly trained individuals in a professional manner.

According to Dr. Brian Creedon, Chairman South Eastern Cancer Foundation, the success of the Solas Centre is down to the generosity and support of the people of the South East.

“Our goal is and will always remain to provide the best cancer support services to those who have been diagnosed with cancer.  In order to do so we must keep fundaising and the South East Run for Life is a wonderful way for participants to get out, get fit, have fun and raise money for a good cause.”

Dr. Creedon added “We are delighted to have support from a dedicated team of volunteers in co-ordinating and organising the run, along with sponsorship from Eishtec and Beat 102-103, two great regional companies, which have done so much to support our cause.”

If you want to do your bit and take part in this year’s South East Run For Life, sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre at Williamstown, Waterford or you can visit www.solascentre.ie, Beat 102 103 studios and AIB branches. For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.

Solas Centre launches the 2011 South East Run for Life… The Next Step

The Solas Centre, the South East’s cancer support service, is calling on all runners, joggers and walkers to get in shape for the Solas Centre South East Run for Life which takes place on Sunday October 16^th in Waterford City. Sponsorship cards are available from the Solas Centre, Sam McCauley stores and AIB branches through out the region.

The organisers are hoping 1,000 people take part in support of the 1,000 who will avail of the Solas Centre in 2012.

The Republic of Ireland and Wolves star Stephen Hunt was delighted to launch the 2011 event, “It is great to be involved with such a good cause that helps so many people through out the South East”.

The Solas Centre, which last year moved from its premises in a small estate house in Waterford to its new state of the art facility in Ardkeen, is now regarded as one of the finest cancer support facilities in the country today.

Built entirely from community fundraising and the generosity of the people of the South East, over €1.5million was raised over three years. The building was designed with ambiance and comfort in mind. There are relaxing therapy rooms and quiet comfortable sitting rooms for a confidential chat or for counselling. The art room is bright and airy and perfect for kids to splash paint or for adults to express themselves through art. The Centre’s assembly room is great for groups to meet and chat.

Iain Munro, SECF Chairman, said “The Solas Centre would not be here if it wasn’t for the generosity and goodwill of the people of the south east. Since April 2008, we have been campaigning to build and fund state of the art cancer support centre that offers excellent services to cancer patients and their families. Frankly, none of this would have been achieved if it wasn’t for the groundswell of support and kindness from the people of the South East.”

“Today the people of the South East can be proud in the knowledge that it is due to their support. Every single cent towards the design, build and running costs came from the endeavours of the Centre’s supporters.”

However the need for fundraising goes on. The event now in its fourth year is changing emphasis from building the Centre to maintaining quality cancer services. It is also expanding its appeal for participants not just from Waterford City but from the whole South East.

Each year across Waterford, Wexford, Tipperary, Carlow and Kilkenny, 2000 people are diagnosed with cancer. While last year cancer support was provided to 250 the Solas Centre anticipates that it will be able to provide support to 1,000 patients in 2012.

In order to provide the best support services to these cancer patients and their families fundraising continues to be crucial. Iain Munro added “Unfortunately, we can’t afford to rest on our laurels. The need to continue fundraising to support cancer patients is paramount. The 2011 South East Run for Life is a great event that not only supports the work of the Solas Centre but is a great opportunity to get fit and have some fun.”

For further information contact the Solas Centre on 051 304604 or check out the ‘Solas Centre South East Run for Life’ Facebook page.