How Fundraising at Ability West is making a difference….
In July 2025, Ability West established a new Board Fundraising Committee, aligned with the Charities Regulator’s guidelines on Fundraising. The Committee has a Terms of Reference in relation to it’s operation and cadence.
The committee’s purpose is simple but powerful:
To ensure fundraising is used in the most impactful way to support the people who rely on our all of our 70 services every day across Galway City and County.
WHY DID WE NEED A FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE?
The Committee manages the Fundraising Fund and invites services across Ability West to submit proposals for equipment, resources, or projects that enhance the quality of life for the people we support. In this way we can ensure that all funds donated as fundraising are managed appropriately and made available where there is real need.
Under the terms of reference:
The Committee can approve requests up to €10,000.
Requests above that amount must go to the Board of Ability West for approval.
Since its formation, the Committee has already supported a wide range of meaningful projects and initiatives.
WHAT PROJECTS have been Approved So Far?
Defibrillators for Safety
Funding was approved to purchase new defibrillators, which will shortly be installed at:
Salthill
Firefly
Snipe Avenue
Ability West House, Tuam
These lifesaving devices will provide reassurance and protection for staff, visitors, and the persons we support.
Interactive Projector for Moycullen
Moycullen Day Service raised €6,500 locally.
The Committee funded the balance to purchase an interactive projector, opening up new opportunities for learning, communication, and fun for the persons supported there.
AAC Devices for Communication
Our Speech and Language Therapy Team received approval to purchase four iPads with Augmentative and Alterative Communication (AAC) Apps and One bespoke AAC device.
These will be used across the East and West Region through a formal loan and trial system. The new devices will help the person, the team and the SLT department to establish if AAC can support the person to express themselves and engage with the world around them.
Claire Bailey’s Solo Fundraiser → Equipment for Portumna
In November 2025, physiotherapist Claire Bailey walked 100 km during the month, raising an impressive €3,200.
With these funds she purchased:
Two treadmills for our Portumna Services
A Sensory Trolley, co-funded by the remaining balance of her fundraiser (€1,942) and a Fundraising Committee contribution of €3,255.
'A sensory trolley is designed to create portable, sensory-rich environments that promote relaxation, focus, and cognitive development for individuals in various settings. Sensory trollies include a diverse array of sensory tools and activities, such as tactile materials, visual stimuli, and auditory experiences. This variety helps the people we support engage in meaningful sensory exploration, which can enhance their emotional well-being and cognitive skills.
As you can see, Claire’s fundraiser has made such a difference for the persons we support. A brilliant example of a staff initiative combined with Fundraising Committee support.
Advocacy Team: Video Equipment for Creative Expression
The Advocacy Team secured funding for a new computer and video‑editing software, enabling them to produce higher‑quality drama and video projects with people supported.
They also received support for a Consultation Day taking place in April — a valuable opportunity for persons supported to discuss what’s working well and where improvements are needed.
The Garden Café AT BROOKLODGE
Brooklodge’s long‑running Friday Feeling Café has been transformed with Committee funding, the café has been upgraded with new furniture and equipment and relaunched as The Garden Café.
It reopened on Friday 13th March this year and will now operate three days a week, offering meaningful work experience for persons supported and a welcoming community space.
Replacement Music Equipment for Events & Social Gatherings
The Committee also approved a proposal to replace music equipment used by persons supported during performances at events and social gatherings.
This upgrade ensures individuals can continue to express themselves creatively and take part in meaningful, confidence‑building activities.
WHAT FUNDRAISING ARE WE DOING AT THE MOMENT?
We have a programme of fundraising mapped out for the year and at the moment we are mid-stream a car draw which was launched on Friday February 27th and the draw will take place on Monday June 29th, so there’s still plenty of time to get involved!
Win a Kia Picanto — AND HELP US DO EVEN MORE!
Our current fundraiser, Win a Kia Picanto, is already generating excitement and has the potential to bring in significant funds for Ability West. These funds will be distributed during the second half of the year to support even more essential projects where statutory funding isn’t available. Please consider supporting Ability West’s current fundraising effort and be in with a chance of winning a fabulous Kia Picanto!
👉 You can find all the details about the fundraiser here by clicking the button below!
Sincere thanks to everyone who has donated funds, participated in our fundraisers, liked and shared our posts and supported our organisation. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to live self-directed lives in an equal and inclusive society. By contributing to our fundraising initiatives you are greatly enhancing the lives of the persons we support!
Brooklodge Ribbon Cutting at the launch of the Garden Cafe
Garden Cafe Launch
An AAC device
Roisin Daly using one of the new treadmills funded by Claire Bailey’s Fundraiser in our Portumna Service
The new sensory trolley in use