Over €200k Raised For Three Charities at Musgrave 2019 Triathlon
The annual Musgrave Triathlon took place on Saturday, 31st August at Farran Woods, Co. Cork with more than 130 teams lacing up their runners, donning their goggles and jumping on their bikes on behalf of the 2019 chosen charities; Breakthrough Cancer Research, AsIAm and Focus Ireland.
Since its inception 18 years ago the Musgrave Triathlon has raised an outstanding €4.6 million to support Irish charities make a difference in our communities. This year alone an astonishing €200k was generated for three extremely worthy causes. In the summer months leading up this charity sporting challenge, there were also many Musgrave departmental fundraising events to further increase the sum of money raised. The Musgrave Supply Chain team raised €1,890 through their ‘The Grazing Table’ breakfast pop-up and concert ticket raffle, while the staff in the Cork Warehouse were not afraid of getting their hands wet and raised €1,670 with a dunk tank & raffle. Other staff fundraising activities included a Treadmill Challenge covering 81km, Long Puck, Pre-loved Dress Sale, Long Table Lunch and many more.
This years’ charities, Breakthrough Cancer Research, AsIAm and Focus Ireland, are a constant pillar of support for so many communities throughout Ireland, and this fundraising drive allows them to provide even better services throughout the country. Since the first Musgrave Triathlon in 2002, the sheer generosity of the Irish public is evident through the strong participation and commitment of their retailers, suppliers, staff, participants and volunteers. Individuals such as these continue to exceed expectations by supporting this annual event and increasing the funds raised year on year.
Either as part of a team or as an individual, participants in this years’ Triathlon undertook an 800m swim, 20km cycle and 5km run in the picturesque setting of Farran Woods and the National Rowing Centre. There was also a large number of volunteers on hand helping out during the day; at registration, providing supervision on course, manning water stations and most importantly showing support to athletes.
Not only is this Triathlon an amazing fundraiser but it has been a very popular family fun day. This year’s fun day included a number of activities to keep the kids entertained, including a very popular merry-go-round. Autism charity, AsIAm also erected an Autism Friendly Tent at the Triathlon for people to come and take time out and enjoy some calm during the hustle and bustle of the day. Musgrave partners including Mr Tayto, Naked Juices, Clonakilty Food and Glenilen and brands like Frank & Honest Coffee, Mood Ice Cream, to name just a few, were on hand to feed the participants and their families, while Munster Triathlon Ambassador, Rob Heffernan was in situ cheering on and motivating participants throughout the course of the day.
Managing Director of SuperValu & Centra, Martin Kelleher commented in relation to this event saying, “It is with great pride that I can yet again say the Musgrave Triathlon has successfully raised another substantial amount of money this year, for charities that do such amazing work in our communities. These worthy charities provide constant help and support to those in need, and it is wonderful to see participants from communities all across Ireland once again lace up their runners and don their goggles to take part in such a fantastic event. We have once again welcomed an increased number of participants this year, and all involved are very proud of the support that in turn is provided to the chosen beneficiaries. Working with our SuperValu and Centra retail partners, we are honoured to support Irish charities to raise much-needed funds that will help communities all across the country.”
Funds raised for this year’s chosen charities will be used for;
- A three-year PHD scholarship programme with Breakthrough Cancer Research, to help them find new treatments for cancer and hopefully save lives.
- AsIAm to put in place a full-time community support officer. This individual will be available full time for autistic adults and family members to get in touch with and seek guidance and advice from on a whole range of topics such as accessing diagnosis and services, to dealing with challenges around employment, making friends, or living independently.
- Focus Ireland to support all their students who have come through their service and help them back into third level education, into career path plans, apprenticeships and develop a career for themselves once they have accommodation.
For those who did not take to the starting line on Saturday you still have the opportunity to donate and show your support for these three deserved Irish charities. To donate to these three charities, or for further information on the Musgrave Triathlon visit www.musgrave-triathlon.com
