OXEGEN DONATES €70,000 TO LOCAL CHARITIES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS
News last updated: 20-02-2012

back to news

Tweet

A total of twenty-four charities and community groups in the Naas area are to receive €70,000 between them thanks to a donation from Oxegen promoters MCD.

Over the last three years, MCD has contributed approximately €400,000 to charities, community groups and sports clubs as an expression of gratitude to the local community for the overwhelming support they give Oxegen and to help ensure that the local area benefits from the festival.

This year, the largest beneficiary will be Naas St Vincent de Paul who will receive €15,000. Among the other groups receiving significant donations are Barretstown, Naas Care Of The Agedand Nas Ni Ri Community Centre.

The world renowned festival has made its home in Punchestown since its debut year in 2004. Indeed, various groups from the surrounding area play an invaluable role over the festival weekend. Naas, Eadestown and Ballymore GAA clubs provide stewards for local residences while local Scouts help campers set up tents on arrival and also aid staff in the recycling of tents and the big clean-up operation at the end.

Commenting on the donations, Kate Conway of St Vincent de Paul Naas said:

“The funds donated on the back of the annual Oxegen concert will provide invaluable support to families in need in the local community. Given the current economic problems, fundraising is very difficult and the demand for support has never been greater. Oxegen provides invaluable support to the local economy and further support by the very generous donations made to charities and local community organisations”

Oxegen’s festival director John Probyn comments:

“Oxegen would not be possible without the on-going co-operation and support of the local community. We hope that the donations help each of the recipient groups to continue to enrich the lives of the local community.”

Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber recognises the economic boost that Oxegen gives to Kildare:

“The Oxegen festival has become synonymous with Kildare. It brings a much needed boost to the local economy, especially the hospitality sector. The festival continues to raise funds for local charities and the Chamber congratulates the festival organisers for their efforts. Having this festival in Kildare for 8 years is an excellent achievement”

In 2011, Oxegen featured superstars Beyoncé, Coldplay, The Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas in a line-up that was voted the best in Europe.

Following Oxegen 2011, the following donations will be distributed:

St Vincent De Paul €15,000
Nas Na Ri Community Centre €5,000
Ballymore Senior Citizens/GAA €3,000
Ballymore Tidy Towns €1,000
Ballymore Boxing Club €500
Ballymore Badminton Club €500
Eadestown Community Games €2,000
Kilteel/Eadestown Comhaltas €1,000
Rathmore Primary School Project €1,000
ISPCC €2,500
Neil Mellon Foundation €2,000
Naas Lyons Club €2,000
Injured Jockeys Fund €2,500
Tiglin €4,000
Naas Care of the Aged €5,000
Spina Bifida Kildare €2,500
Naas TidyTowns €2,500
Naas Musical Society €2,500
Little Way €1,000
Jack and Jill €4,000
Kildare Civil Defence €1,000
Barrettstown €4,000
Kildare Pony Club €500
Homeless Naas €2,500
Irish Horse Welfare Trust €2,500