MORE than 100 people turned put to paddle their own canoes to raised funds for Rape Crisis Mid West.
The event, with partners the Limerick Kayak Academy, saw people kayak the river Shannon from Shannon Rowing Club in Annacotty to O’Callaghan Strand in Limerick City, raising over €8,000 in much needed funds for the charity.
One of the key organisers Limerick Kayak Academy said that “the services provided to survivors of sexual violence by Rape Crisis Mid West aim to support each person on their healing journey – and as with any, journey there are ebbs and flows – much like the journey down the Shannon River on the day of the event”.
“At each stage of the survivor’s journey, Rape Crisis Mid West is there to support the ebb and flow of that journey, to champion the survivor and to empower the flow to freedom from the impact of sexual violence.”
Executive Director of Rape Crisis Mid West, Siobhán O’Leary, said that “this is the 10th year, so we are very proud to have continued the event. A huge thank you to all the participants, individuals, and businesses that support the event each year, it just would not be possible to run the event without their support.”
“The event itself helps to raise awareness of the organisation and the services that are available for people and the funds raised help the organisation to deliver vital services to survivors of sexual violence across the Mid West.”
Rape Crisis Midwest responds to the needs of survivors of all forms of sexual violence, both recent and past and serves counties Limerick, Clare, and North Tipperary.
The kayaking event was also supported by Canoeing Ireland, Outdoor Education and Training Centre Kilfinane, Munster Kayak Adventures, My Next Adventure Lough Derg, Limerick Suicide Watch, Limerick Sports Partnership, and JP Clarks Bunratty.
