This article is from page 4 of the 2013-11-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 4 JPG
CHARITIES and businesses in Ennis are set to benefit from a novel initiative aimed at encouraging people to shop local this Christmas.
The Charity Voucher Booklet is the brainchild of Ennis-based osteopath David Ghilardi.
The booklet features offers from almost 70 Ennis-based businesses and will be on sale in six charity outlets in the town: Clarecare, Caring for Carers (Carmody Street), Cahercalla Community Hospital, The Disabled People of Clare (Clon Road business park), Paw Pourri (Market) and the Irish Cancer Society (Woodquay, Ennis).
Half of the proceeds from the sale of the € 30 booklet will go towards the charities and organisations.
The vounchers can then be used at any of the local businesses that have offers in the booklet. David hopes the scheme can benefit both charities and businesses.
He explains, “I started working on this in July. I went around to the shops one by one. I might have missed a few charities but hopefully, if it goes well this year, we can extend it out next year. A lot of charities would already have campaigns and other projects specifically for Christmas.
“I think all the charities represented do fabulous work and I am proud to be working with them. There are 68 shops in the booklet, with over 100 vouchers. I would hope it would encourage people to shop in the town and spent money locally this Christmas. Businesses give something to help charities and the charities sell the booklets to support the shops. It’s a circle,” David adds.
The booklets are on sale in the six charities from November 12 to December 31. The vouchers can be used up until October 31, 2014.
David said the idea for supporting local good causes was sparked by the upcoming 10th anniversary of the opening of his osteopath clinic.
“I’ve been in Ennis for 10 years and I thought this might be a way of giving something back. The town has been very good to me and my family”, explains David who is originally from France.
The former Avenue United soccer player is hoping the booklet will bring a boost to charities and businesses this year.