Callum, Maurice and Estelle from the Metropole Hotel celebrating International Day of Persons with Disability with Cope Foundation. Maurice and Estelle are supported by Cope Foundation’s Ability@Work programme. Pic: Matthew Murphy
One of Ireland’s largest disability organisations has marked International Day of Persons with Disabilities by encouraging the people of Cork to chat about inclusion. Cope Foundation and its charity partner Trigon Hotels hosted a special event on Cork’s Harley Street on Saturday 3rd December.
Members of the public had an opportunity to speak with people supported by Cope Foundation all while enjoying complimentary festive treats and being entertained by Cork buskers and TikTok stars Korey Power and Dylan Brickley.
People were encouraged to write down on a piece of paper what inclusion means to them which helped to kick-start the conversation and get everyone thinking about inclusion.
The event formed part of Cope Foundation’s Light Up Cork campaign. It asks people to visit the charity’s virtual giving page this Christmas and to dedicate a start to a loved one. By lighting up a star they are also shining a light on inclusion in Cork.
Sean Abbott, Chief Executive Officer, Cope Foundation said, “Thank you to our wonderful charity partners Trigon Hotels for providing delicious complimentary festive treats to everyone who joined us on Harley Street. Without their support, the event would not have been possible. We were delighted to collaborate with all the team and celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities together.”
Peter Loughnane, Marketing and Sales Director, Trigon Hotels added, “The best part of the day was encouraging everyone who joined us to talk about inclusion, and what it means to them. It is important for everyone to have an open mind when it comes to inclusion and how we can all make a difference in every aspect of our lives.”
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.
Light Up Cork 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.
To light up a star online visit www.lightupcork.ie
