4 August 2015
By Elaine Murphy
elaine@TheCork.ie
A number of innovative community groups in Cork have been awarded funding through KBC Bank’s ‘Bright Ideas’ community support initiative. Six outstanding projects from Cork city and the surrounding areas have been selected for funding and are among a total of 40 winning projects nationwide recognised by KBC Bank this year. They will share in a €100,000 pool donated by KBC as a way to support groups and individuals who are working to transform their communities, and who require funding to continue with the great work that they are doing.
There was good news in particular for two local community initiatives – Glouthaune Tidy Town’s Funtastic Kiddy Ecotrail and the Rainbow Club for Autism in Mahon – which are among projects shortlisted to go forward to the National Final. Members of the public can now vote online at www.kbcbrightideas.com for their favourite initiative to become KBC’s Brightest Idea and receive an extra €5,000 funding.
Aidan Power, Director of Marketing and Corporate Affairs, KBC Bank Ireland said: “It takes just one individual or group to turn a bright idea into a reality and help make a difference in their local community. With 15 hubs in towns and cities around the country, including Lapp’s Quay and Wilton, KBC has a role to play in community life too. Our Bright Ideas programme is about recognising innovative thinking and giving local projects in the Cork area a chance to shine with the help of funding and support. I am pleased to say that the public can also get involved this year and vote for their favourite project to receive additional funding. I would encourage people in Cork to get behind their local projects and get voting for KBC’s Brightest Idea for better communities in 2015.”
Over 300 community groups and individuals applied to KBC’s Bright Ideas for funding this year. Entries were reviewed by independent judging panels at a local level. This year’s 40 winning projects address a variety of social needs in local communities, and include a range of urban regeneration, learning and development, sports and play, care and wellbeing initiatives.
Glounthaune Tidy Towns (€5,000 funding) will be able to fund their Funtastic Kiddy Ecotrail – a biodiversity and sustainability learning experience for 4-12 year old children. This will see an overgrown area between the estuarine mudflats and railway developed into an eco-trail complete with butterfly friendly garden, herb sensory garden, bird, bat, and owl feeders, and migratory bird observation signage to cater for over 3,600 primary school children in the area.
The Rainbow Club for Autism in Mahon received €2,500 in funding to equip an indoor and outdoor area that is specifically geared for children with autism and sensory needs. This will create a space for the children and their families to meet, relax, play and socialise with each other and other families in a supportive environment appropriate to their developmental needs.
Other groups from Cork to benefit from Bright Ideas funding this year are:
· Conna Handball Club (€2,500 funding) – to refresh the Handball Alley so that the 25 adult and 70 young handball players will have the chance to compete outdoors.
· Ludgate Centre (€2,500 funding) – a program that will introduce the elderly to digital technology. The funding will go towards the purchase of iPads and a 6-week training programme.
· Lána Uí – Cholmáin (€1,500 funding) – to encapsulate the history of Medieval Cork with an art project initiative for the city.
· Cork Association for Autism (€1,000 funding) – a new Day Service Centre in Mogeely for adults on the autistic spectrum. This centre will allow the Cork Association for Autism to relocate younger service users, who are between 18 and 26, to a more suitable location.
