First responders celebrate 20th anniversary with Wicklow community coffee morning
Honouring two decades of the lifesaving service, while raising funds for essential equipment, the convivial event at The Pavilion saw the community of Aughrim and its surrounds chat about memories past, while looking ahead to the future of emergency care in the community.
Founded in 2004 and going live in 2005, Aughrim CFR is a team of highly trained volunteers who respond to life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, chest pain, and choking in partnership with the National Ambulance Service.
Their mission is simple: to arrive within minutes and provide care until an ambulance arrives, dramatically increasing the chance of survival for patients in their community.
To celebrate their 20 years of service and fund vital equipment, the team hosted the coffee morning with an ambitious but important goal of raising €6,500 to purchase two new Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) and three first responder kits.
These additions will extend the group's lifesaving reach across the region, bringing their PAD network up to 10 and equipping responders with the tools they need to act fast in emergencies.
From the early morning setup to the final raffle draw, the event ran like clockwork thanks to the dedicated CFR volunteers, supported by a host of helpers from the community. Special thanks were given to Mike and Eimear, two local residents who, though not CFR members, stepped up on the day with open hearts and helping hands.
Praising all those who had a hand in the event, Aughrim CFR group coordinator Philip O'Dwyer said the event was more than just coffee and cake, but a 'resounding tribute to the strength of local volunteerism and the power of community'.
'It was a celebration of two decades of service, commitment, and neighbourly care, and we're incredibly proud of what we've built together over the years – days like the coffee morning remind us of just how strong this community really is,' he said.
'The team was thrilled to announce that the event raised €2,997.95 through cash, Revolut, and cheque donations. Of this, €2,932.95 will now be recorded as an offline donation on the group's GoFundMe campaign, with €65 having already been logged on behalf of earlier donors.
'A standout mention to Carla Barry, a CFR responder and owner of ChoCarla's, who spearheaded much of the behind-the-scenes coordination. From sourcing supplies and spot prizes to baking a mountain of sweet treats and organising logistics, Carla's tireless commitment helped turn vision into reality.
ADVERTISEMENT
'The event also saw a visit from An Garda Síochána Wicklow and Cllr Pat Kennedy, who stopped by to show support and engage with community members.
'The raffle was a huge highlight, with fantastic prizes donated by a long list of generous local businesses and individuals, including Woodenbridge Hotel Wicklow, Van Der Wel Ltd, Ballinatone Boarding Kennels, Clyde's Car Wash & Valeting Service, Glenmalure Lodge, ChoCarla's, and Paulina Hillier.
'Ingredients and supplies were donated by Select Foods, Irish Butter, Odaios, North Wicklow Eggs, Sysco, STP and Firehouse Bakery, with financial contributions from Woodfab Timber Limited, O'Toole's Lounge, Moneydurtlow Quarr, Annacurra Camogie Club and Annacurra GAA & LGFA.
'The funding is an incredible boost, and we're now within touching distance of our target. Every single euro will go directly back into the community through the purchase of essential lifesaving equipment,' he added.
'This isn't just about equipment, it's about saving lives. Having the right tools in the right place can make all the difference when someone's heart stops. With continued support, we'll get there.
'And while the bunting is down and the teapots washed, the fundraiser is far from over. The GoFundMe campaign remains open, and the group is calling on anyone who may have missed the event to donate what they can to help them reach their target.
'As the group reflects on 20 years of service, they do so with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. With the community behind them, Aughrim CFR looks confidently ahead to the next 20 years and beyond.'
To donate to Aughrim CFR's fundraiser, visit: gofund.me/ebd8cff3
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Irishwoman fighting for life in Spain after cardiac arrest on ‘first family holiday in 20 years' as relatives issue plea
AN Irishwoman is fighting for her life in Spain after suffering a cardiac arrest on her "first family holiday in 20 years." Joan is now in an induced coma and on a ventilator receiving intensive care at a hospital in the popular sunshine spot. Her condition is critical and showing no signs of improvement. Debbie, who is a lifelong family friend, has launched a fundraiser to help Joan's family with the financial burden of bringing her back to Ireland. She wrote: "I am reaching out with an urgent appeal on behalf of our dear Joan who is currently fighting for her life far from home. "While on her first family holiday in over 20 years, a well-deserved break she was so excited for, Joan tragically suffered a cardiac arrest. Read more in News "She is now in a hospital in "Her condition is critical and showing no signs of improvement." Doctors have said the only way for Joan to return to Ireland to continue her medical treatment is via a medical plane, the costs of which are "well beyond" what Joan's family can afford. Debbie continued: "In addition to the cost of the medical flight her daughters are facing mounting expenses just to remain by her side in Spain during this nightmare. MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "It is now peak season as people would be well aware and accommodation alone is costing a crazy amount and that is without food, travel to and from the hospital and time away from their own jobs. Jay Slater's mum had 'never even heard of GoFundMe' - but now is getting abused constantly over £72k fund "I am asking for your help to raise €50,000 to cover the urgent cost of the medical plane and to support the family during this incredibly difficult time. "Joan's travel insurance is refusing to pay for a medical flight home and will only pay a certain per cent towards the cost if she can walk onto the plane in the care of a doctor." 'SUCH A LOVELY WOMAN' The Some €28,505 has been raised so far with over 557 donations. Debbie added: "Anyone who knows Joan, knows she is such a lovely, funny, selfless woman who would help anyone in need. "But now it is her time of need and she needs as much help as possible to bring her home. "Every donation, no matter how big or small will make a difference. "If you are unable to donate please consider sharing our appeal and keeping Joan in your thoughts and prayers. "Your support will be very much appreciated to help bring our Joan home." 1 Joan is now in a hospital in Spain in an induced coma Credit: gofundme
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
Girl, 9, mauled by shark at popular US beach as horrified parents hear her screams and watch water turn red with blood
A NINE-year-old girl has been savaged by a shark at a popular US beach in a 'terrifying life-altering event.' Leah Lendel had to be airlifted to a trauma center after her horrified parents heard her screaming and saw the water turn red with her blood. 2 The shark attack victim, Leah Lendel, was snorkelling at the time of the terrifying attack Credit: GoFundMe A shark mauled the little girl in a horrific attack while she was snorkeling off Boca Grand in Florida. The Boca Grande Fire Department said the attack happened yesterday at about noon near Fort Myers, on the state's southwest coast. Her distraught family said in a statement that Leah was underwater when she suddenly surfaced screaming. Her right hand was covered in blood, turning the sea red. READ MORE US NEWS The family described her arm as being so badly savaged that her hand was barely attached to it. Her family said: "We're thankful to Jesus for the quick response of emergency crews." They've launched an online fundraiser to help her recovery. The Most read in The US Sun "While playing in the water with her siblings, she was bitten on her hand by a shark and had to be rushed to the hospital by Life Flight. "We're thankful to Jesus for the quick response of emergency crews and the skill of the medical team. "She is now stable and going through surgery - fighting hard for her road to recovery." More to follow... For the latest news on this story, keep checking back at The U.S. Sun, your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, sports news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures, and must-see videos . Like us on Facebook at 2 It was supposed to be a fun and sunny day at the beach in Boca Grande, Florida Credit: Getty
Irish Independent
a day ago
- Irish Independent
First responders celebrate 20th anniversary with Wicklow community coffee morning
Honouring two decades of the lifesaving service, while raising funds for essential equipment, the convivial event at The Pavilion saw the community of Aughrim and its surrounds chat about memories past, while looking ahead to the future of emergency care in the community. Founded in 2004 and going live in 2005, Aughrim CFR is a team of highly trained volunteers who respond to life-threatening emergencies, such as cardiac arrest, stroke, chest pain, and choking in partnership with the National Ambulance Service. Their mission is simple: to arrive within minutes and provide care until an ambulance arrives, dramatically increasing the chance of survival for patients in their community. To celebrate their 20 years of service and fund vital equipment, the team hosted the coffee morning with an ambitious but important goal of raising €6,500 to purchase two new Public Access Defibrillators (PADs) and three first responder kits. These additions will extend the group's lifesaving reach across the region, bringing their PAD network up to 10 and equipping responders with the tools they need to act fast in emergencies. From the early morning setup to the final raffle draw, the event ran like clockwork thanks to the dedicated CFR volunteers, supported by a host of helpers from the community. Special thanks were given to Mike and Eimear, two local residents who, though not CFR members, stepped up on the day with open hearts and helping hands. Praising all those who had a hand in the event, Aughrim CFR group coordinator Philip O'Dwyer said the event was more than just coffee and cake, but a 'resounding tribute to the strength of local volunteerism and the power of community'. 'It was a celebration of two decades of service, commitment, and neighbourly care, and we're incredibly proud of what we've built together over the years – days like the coffee morning remind us of just how strong this community really is,' he said. 'The team was thrilled to announce that the event raised €2,997.95 through cash, Revolut, and cheque donations. Of this, €2,932.95 will now be recorded as an offline donation on the group's GoFundMe campaign, with €65 having already been logged on behalf of earlier donors. 'A standout mention to Carla Barry, a CFR responder and owner of ChoCarla's, who spearheaded much of the behind-the-scenes coordination. From sourcing supplies and spot prizes to baking a mountain of sweet treats and organising logistics, Carla's tireless commitment helped turn vision into reality. ADVERTISEMENT 'The event also saw a visit from An Garda Síochána Wicklow and Cllr Pat Kennedy, who stopped by to show support and engage with community members. 'The raffle was a huge highlight, with fantastic prizes donated by a long list of generous local businesses and individuals, including Woodenbridge Hotel Wicklow, Van Der Wel Ltd, Ballinatone Boarding Kennels, Clyde's Car Wash & Valeting Service, Glenmalure Lodge, ChoCarla's, and Paulina Hillier. 'Ingredients and supplies were donated by Select Foods, Irish Butter, Odaios, North Wicklow Eggs, Sysco, STP and Firehouse Bakery, with financial contributions from Woodfab Timber Limited, O'Toole's Lounge, Moneydurtlow Quarr, Annacurra Camogie Club and Annacurra GAA & LGFA. 'The funding is an incredible boost, and we're now within touching distance of our target. Every single euro will go directly back into the community through the purchase of essential lifesaving equipment,' he added. 'This isn't just about equipment, it's about saving lives. Having the right tools in the right place can make all the difference when someone's heart stops. With continued support, we'll get there. 'And while the bunting is down and the teapots washed, the fundraiser is far from over. The GoFundMe campaign remains open, and the group is calling on anyone who may have missed the event to donate what they can to help them reach their target. 'As the group reflects on 20 years of service, they do so with pride, gratitude, and a renewed sense of purpose. With the community behind them, Aughrim CFR looks confidently ahead to the next 20 years and beyond.' To donate to Aughrim CFR's fundraiser, visit:
