It was decided at the October Executive Council meeting for a Christmas Toy Appeal to be organised by the FTMTA for the benefit of an Irish charity this Christmas. It was amazing to see such generosity and enthusiasm from the FTMTA members towards the toy appeal. The spirit of giving during the holiday season truly has the power to make joyful moments for those in need. It’s heart-warming to know that this initiative will bring joy and happiness to many children through your collective efforts and contributions.
The Appeal
Over €4,000 worth of toys were delivered to the FTMTA Office, it was truly overwhelming. We would like to say a special thank you to all those who have donated to this appeal, namely;
– Meath Farm Machinery Ltd
– Joe Whelan Garage
– Poettinger Ireland Ltd
– Farm Power Ltd
– New Holland
– Lemken Ltd
– Tom Shaw Farm Machinery Ltd
– Cooney & Furlong Ltd
– Agrigear Ltd
– Alan Douglas Farm Machinery
– Templetuohy Farm Machinery Ltd
– McCarthy Plant & Agri Sales
– Johnston Farm Equipment Ltd
– Claas UK
– Kelly’s of Borris Ltd
– Dromone Engineering Ltd
– William Foster Ltd
– Colton Motors
– Valtra
– Cork Farm Machinery
– Donegal Tractors
– IAM Agricultural Machinery Ltd
– Kverneland Ireland Ltd
– Kubota UK Ltd
The Charities
Our chosen charities are Embrace Farm in Co. Laois and Amber Women’s Refuge in Co. Kilkenny.
Embrace FARM is a farming organisation which was founded by Brian and Norma Rohan, a farming family from Shanahoe, County Laois in 2014. Brian and his wife Norma with extended family lost his father Liam Rohan to a sudden farm accident in 2013.
Like most farming families the Rohan’s experienced great and invaluable support from neighbours and friends but were surprised to find that there was little or no emotional or practical support networks available to farm families suffering such loss, so they founded Embrace Farm.
Embrace FARM, Ireland’s charitable support network for farm families impacted by sudden injury and loss. Embrace FARM is Ireland’s only support network for farm families impacted by sudden injury and death. It currently provides a range of practical and emotional supports to over 400 Irish farm families.
Our toys will be gifted to families experiencing emotional or financial difficulty this Christmas season.
On Monday the 18th December, Norma Rohan collected the donated toys, shocked by the overwhelming support pouring in from our dedicated members. The incredible generosity of FTMTA members will fill the hearts of children with immense joy and will bring smiles to countless families this year.
To read more about Embrace Farm, click HERE
Amber started as Kilkenny Women’s Refuge Project in 1996 in Loughboy, Kilkenny. The Project, manned by two staff members and a team of volunteers provided a drop-in Centre & 9-5 support helpline to local women experiencing domestic violence & abuse. The purpose-built refuge building, Kilkenny Women’s Refuge, officially opened in November 2001.
In 2019, Amber re-branded as Amber Women’s Refuge to reflect the delivery of refuge and community-based services to women and children from Carlow and other counties, as well as Kilkenny.
Amber Women’s Refuge provides emergency refuge accommodation and a 24hr Helpline offering compassionate, non-judgmental support and information to women and children in Kilkenny and Carlow who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. Amber Women’s Refuge deliver safe, inclusive, client centred services both at the refuge and in the community. Amber Women’s Refuge has been supporting and protecting women and children for over 20 years.
On December 14th, we made a special delivery of toys to Amber Women’s Refuge, where we had the pleasure of meeting Angela, the dedicated childcare worker. Angela was thrilled with the array of lovely toys we brought and she mentioned that the toys would go straight to the children that they had identified that would not otherwise be receiving Christmas toys. As heart breaking it was to hear, it is wonderful that your generous donations are going directly to vulnerable children and families.
To read more about Amber Women’s Refuge, click HERE
For members who missed the chance to donate, you can still contribute by clicking the links below;
