Orlagh repays supportive charity

Seasoned volunteer Orlagh McClinton opened the doors of her family home in Ballinderry to support the Michaela Foundation charity.
By The Newsroom
Published 21st Mar 2016, 11:19 BST
Orlagh McClinton and Patricia McClinton hand over the money they raised to John McAreavey and Janine Diamond from the Michaela Foundation.Orlagh McClinton and Patricia McClinton hand over the money they raised to John McAreavey and Janine Diamond from the Michaela Foundation.
Orlagh McClinton and Patricia McClinton hand over the money they raised to John McAreavey and Janine Diamond from the Michaela Foundation.

She hosted a fundraising tea party on 27th February and collected over a whopping £1,000.

“I wanted to give back to Michaela Foundation as it has given me so much; new friends, a new found confidence and belief in myself,” explained Orlagh.

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“The Summer Camps are amazing. I wish they had been around when I was younger. I’m so proud to be a volunteer. I thought that the money raised would be of great benefit for the up and coming Summer Camps in 2016, giving other girls the same positive opportunity.”

Patricia McClinton, who co-organised the event, was just as motivated as her daughter: “I wanted to help her (Orlagh) raise as much as possible so that other girls can get the experience she has had.

“It has had such a positive impact on her. She had been worried about her friends heading to university as she was choosing to take a year out.

“However, she was supported by all the Michaela Foundation girls and feels very much a part of the Michaela Foundation family. The tea party was a great way to catch up with neighbours, friends and family members and it was lovely to have that buzz all afternoon around the house.”

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Michaela Foundation, inspired by the life of Michaela McAreavey, promotes values that encourage young people to lead a happy and fulfilled life without limits. One method of direct service delivery is through their summer camps.

In 2016, Michaela Foundation will deliver 20 Summer Camps throughout Ireland. Donations like Orlagh’s assist Michaela Foundation greatly.

“We rely solely on the generosity of others in order to provide our services, and a tea party fundraiser is a great way to raise funds, bringing together traditional Irish togetherness, whilst benefiting charity,” said Chairman John McAreavey.

“So the next time you are thinking of Afternoon Tea in a hotel, invite your friends and family to your Teach (house), have fun and help Michaela Foundation!”

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Orlagh and Patricia would like to express their thanks to everyone who assisted in any capacity, ensuring that the tea party was a rousing success.

If you are interested in hosting a fundraising event in aid of Michaela Foundation please email [email protected].