Athy local service transformed by community volunteer project
Our local service in Athy has received a major revamp through a community volunteer day that brought together local businesses and volunteers.
Teams from CBRE, MSD Engineering, Rexel, Noonan, SAP Landscapes, Robert Quinn Ltd, TONA and Suir Engineering joined forces to carry out a wide range of improvement works across the disability service. The project included painting, landscaping, enhancements to indoor and outdoor activity areas, improvements to workshop and storage facilities, and the donation of equipment and materials.
The volunteer effort has transformed the service environment for the 21 people who attend the service, creating brighter, more welcoming spaces for activities, creativity, learning and community participation.
Rebecca Maguire, who leads Athy local service, said the impact was immediately evident when people returned to the service and saw the improvements that had been made. One particularly meaningful aspect of the project was the restoration and protection of artwork created by a service user, ensuring a valued piece of work can be preserved and enjoyed for years to come.
Our CEO, Margaret O'Neill, thanked the group for their efforts: "We are really grateful to everyone who gave their time, skills and resources to support these improvements in Athy Local Service, which are already having a real impact on the everyday experience of the people who attend the service. The care and thought that went into every aspect of the project is so visible, from the landscaping and refurbishment works to the special artwork restoration. On behalf of everyone at Kare, thank you to all involved."
A representative from CBRE/MSD Engineering Group commented: “When we were contacted by Pat Dalton to see if Kare could be chosen for the annual BlueSkies event for 2026, we went to the service and spoke with Rebecca to see what was needed to make the lives of the users and staff a little better.
“Planning started, a list of vendors was contacted to see what they could offer for free, we gathered the materials, put the comms out for volunteers and began preparations. SAP Landscapes were first on the site, followed by Bidvest Noonan. Once their works were completed, the site-based volunteers were on site to complete the rest.
“The weather on the day was not ideal, so the external of the building was painted the following day by the Kare team. There was a tremendous amount of work completed by everyone, the place looks refreshed.”
The project highlights the positive difference that can be achieved when businesses and community organisations work together to support inclusive and welcoming spaces for people with intellectual disabilities.
To find out more about how you or your organisation can partner with Kare, contact fundraising@kare.ie.
