We often take for granted the hard work done by members, clubs, and regions in aid of charity or to promote our game and attract new members. We are very pleased to have two recent examples from different parts of the country to highlight.
The Stillorgan Shopping Centre in Dublin recently played host to volunteers from the Eastern Region, under the guidance of Bernie Rountree and Fedelma Martin, who gave demonstrations of bridge throughout a Saturday and canvassed shoppers to take up the game, giving the interested ones details of upcoming classes in the area. It sounds easy, but if you’ve ever tried it, it takes both a hard neck and good communication skills to entice onlookers into a game like bridge that looks like people just sitting around. Hopefully the effort will generate lots of new bridge students within the region, including, by the look of the pictures, some members of the younger generation, who will be particularly welcome. If other regions, or indeed clubs, would like to hold similar promotional activities, the CBAI can offer a variety of promotional supports (pamphlets, banners, pens, cards, etc).
And in Galway, bridge teacher Carmel Murphy has run summer bridge for charity for many years. From 2022 onwards, she joined forces with the McCarthy 17 Bridge Club (in particular, Helen Henry) to provide a better experience for the players, with Bridgemates etc in use. The organisers put a great deal of work into this, and get support from many local businesses. They would like to give special thanks to Richard Larkin of Rafferty’s Rest, Kilcolgan, who gives his premises at no charge, and also donated the proceeds of a final night celebration meal to the cause. Over the five-year period that the club has been working with Carmel, they have raised approximately €33,000 for a variety of charities including the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, Galway Hospice Foundation, Gort Community Centre/Western Alzheimers Galway, Croi Heart & Stroke Support Galway, and Galway Parkinsons Association.
Well done to all concerned.