Amy Begley who is supported by Cope Foundation
Photo Darragh Kane
Cope Foundation is encouraging the people of Cork to talk about inclusion this weekend. The charity is hosting a special event on Cork’s Harley Street on Saturday 3rd December which is International Day of Persons with Disabilities.
The event takes place from 10.00am to 2.00pm and is being held in collaboration with Trigon Hotels, Cope Foundation’s charity partner for 2021 and 2022. Members of the public will be able to chat with people supported by Cope Foundation, its staff and team members from Trigon Hotels.
There will be a selection of complimentary festive treats available while Cork buskers and TikTok stars Korey Power and Dylan Brickle will perform some Christmas favourites on the day.
Cope Foundation supports 2,800 people with an intellectual disability and/or autism to live a life of their choosing. The charity has a growing network of 70 centres stretching from East Cork to West Cork.
People are also encouraged to donate to the charity’s virtual giving page called ‘Light Up Cork’. It was designed by graphic designer Amy Begley, who is supported by Cope Foundation, and shows a night sky over a number of well-known Cork landmarks which represent some of the towns and areas where Cope Foundation services are available. Donors are asked to dedicate a star to a loved one. By lighting up a star they are also shining a light on inclusion in Cork.
Cope Foundation is hoping its event on Harley Street will highlight the importance of inclusion and to talk about how we can embrace this more in every aspect of our lives.
Amy Begley said: “Inclusion is so important and I am delighted to be part of the Cope Foundation campaign to raise awareness of it. Communities play a big role in making things possible and everyone has the right to be involved, have a purpose, to make a mark, and to have a chance to make a difference.”
Sean Abbott, Chief Executive of Cope Foundation, said: “We are committed to speaking up and continuing the conversation around rights and equalities for people with disabilities and/or autism. We hope to share some of our stories with members of the public on Harley Street this Saturday. I would also invite people to support our ‘Light Up Cork’ Christmas campaign which will help us to raise much-needed funds for our organisation but, more importantly, it is about shining a light on inclusion. I want to take this opportunity to thank our Charity Partners, Trigon Hotels for supporting this campaign and leading the way in inclusion in the workplace and in our communities.”
As well as the Harley Street event, artist Florin Nolan, who is supported by Cope Foundation and Suisha Arts, is hosting his first ever art exhibition on International Day of Persons With Disabilities.
The exhibition is called “Floricoland” and it opens at Cork City Library at 1pm on Saturday, December 3rd and runs until Saturday December 31st.
The showing features fine art paintings, sculptures and a stop-motion animation which Florin wrote and produced. His work features vibrant characters and dream-like buildings. He uses his trademark watercolour and ink medium to paint aspects of his home town, Cork City and County.
Florin was adopted from Romania and his three-dimensional work, based on animals and insects, reflects on his personal journey from the orphanage in Romania to his life with his family in Ireland.
To light up a star online visit www.lightupcork.ie
