A professional autism service provider from Cork who support young people with Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families, has been named amongst the 35 community groups, sports clubs and organisations from all over Ireland who were today announced as national finalists in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.
The Rainbow Club Cork will contest in the Youth category of the Good Causes Awards final.
The Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes all over the country.
The Rainbow Club is a lifeline to families, children, young teens, and adults living with Autism. Their aim is to help, support and teach people about Autism, the challenges it brings to the child and family and how to live every day with it. Funding from the HSE National Lottery grant scheme enabled them to set up a ‘Gamer Café’ for children & teens with ASD, which subsequently has improved the quality of life for 60 children, teens and their families.
Each of the 35 finalists will now receive €1,000 and a hand-crafted trophy and proceed to the grand final in which there are seven categories: Arts & Culture, Community, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Irish language, Sport and Youth. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place on Saturday 1st October in the Kilashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare, where each of the seven category winners will receive €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will take home an additional €25,000.
Gráinne Seoige, who will host the awards for the third consecutive year, said:
"While last year's event truly was unique as we had to go virtual due to the Covid restrictions in place, I am looking forward to meeting this year's fantastic finalists in person. Hearing stories of triumph, strength and endurance have stood out as highlights from my previous two experiences of presenting the Awards and I am certain that this year will be no different. Seeing how communities from all over Ireland help and look out for each other is a truly inspiring part of the night and one that I am looking forward to playing a part in."
