Bluestack Foundation says massive thank you as public vote secures funding

The Bluestack Special Needs Foundation has received a huge boost with news that they are one of six recipients of a share of €200,000.

The funding is being granted by the Permanent TSB Community Fund, with two winning charities from each of three regions across the country.

The winners for each region were selected by a public vote. The success of the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation in the North and West category in the public vote round is testament to the impact the organisation has in Donegal.

Emer McMullin who works in Permanent TSB’s new branch in Donegal Town had suggested earlier this year that the foundation be included.

Emer attended the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation on Friday along with Permanetn TSB Donegal Town Branch Lead Paul Saunders to share in the celebrations.

Foundation manager Wendy McCarry said: “We are so deeply grateful to Emer for thinking of us and putting us forward for the Permanent TSB Community Fund.

“I can’t believe we got into the final 15, never mind to win.”

She thanked Emer and Paul for attending, and welcomed that Permanent TSB had reopened in the Donegal Town community.

Wendy also thanked her colleagues, volunteers and board members of the foundation for their ongoing work.

She had a special word of thanks for the young adults who were present, and who work at the Bluestack Shack, a fantastic coffee dock at the Donegal Town premises. The team at the Bluestack Shack were recently honoured in the Ulster Regional Irish Restaurant Awards where they won the Best Innovator category.

Wendy said: “You are amazing. We all work for you at the end of the day. You are what makes it all work.”

This was echoed by Deirdre Donagher Kerr (pictured) who was instrumental in establishing the Bluestack Shack, and who proudly displayed the framed award certificate on Friday’s gathering.

“A year ago we opened the Shack. This award is for all the young adults’ hard work and dedication.”
On behalf of the Board, Patricia Callaghan also congratulated the Bluestack Shack team, and thanked Permanent TSB for the funding. 

Praising the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation team, Paul Saunders said: “Myself and Emer feel passionately about this every special group of people who are looking after a very special group of people.

“It is important for us in Permanent TSB that we are in the community and serving the community. We are delighted to support such a worthwhile organisation through the Permanent TSB Community Fund.”

Emer McMullin (pictured) had been aware of work of the foundation, and she felt it was a perfect fit to put forward for the fund.

“It is far reaching because it is not just supporting families in Donegal Town, it is all over the county, up as far as Inishowen. We have five branches in Donegal and the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation is working in all those areas.

“They are doing fantastic work.”

More information on the many supports and services the foundation offers to people with additional needs and their families can be found at www.bluestackfoundation.com and on the organisation’s social media accounts.

And there is great news for those who have been missing the Bluestack Shack’s delicious coffee and treats over the winter months. It is opening any day now, with a covered eating area and some exciting new dishes on the menu. 

The team has been busy behind the scenes and they are looking forward to seeing all their customers again soon.