Funding boost for Longford based charity

The charitable organisation set up in March 2020 in memory of Cian Neary is one of over 70 charities to receive funding as part of the 2023 AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

Cian’s Kennels received the award of €28,000 from the second annual AIB Community Fund helping it to provide ongoing support to groups and charities making a difference in their communities.

“We plan to use the funding to purchase an Events Logistics Vehicle. This would both free up our current second van to solely act as a Pet Transport Van, based in the midlands, working alongside our Dublin based van. That in itself is a huge benefit, but having an Events Logistics Vehicle, easily transporting all of the necessary components of Cian’s Kennels attending an event leaves us in a position where we can attend more events throughout our community,” Michaela Cox a lead Volunteer with the charity said.

Earlier this year, AIB asked its customers, the wider public, and colleagues to nominate charities which connect with causes that matter most to them and their communities, for the AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

Over 16,000 nominations were received highlighting the immediate support needed for charities across Ireland.

Following the inaugural launch in 2022, the AIB Community €1 Million Fund has already donated to over 70 national and local charities including Dogs for the Disabled, Irish Cancer Society, Aoibheann’s Pink Tie and Dyslexia Association of Ireland.

Michaela said the funds will assist the charity in their work: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this donation, from the AIB Community €1 Million Fund.

This will allow us to be more present at events throughout Ireland, therefore both supporting our community through these events, and raising awareness of the work we do and reaching more families who could avail of our services.

“The fact that the public voted for us in such numbers is particularly special and we are so grateful for the constant support we receive from our followers.

“There are so many people to thank for making this happen – firstly, to everyone who nominated us and voted for us, we truly appreciate it. To all the team at Cian’s Kennels who work so hard bringing pets closer to sick children and their families and a particular thank you to AIB for establishing this hugely beneficial fund.”

Speaking about the Fund, AIB Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Mary Whitelaw said: “Along with our core community partners and programmes the AIB Community €1 Million Fund enables us to further deepen our contribution to society.

“The nominations were made by our colleagues, customers and the public based on the causes and charities they connect with and that matter most to them.

“Our hope is that this funding will help make a real difference to the most vulnerable in our communities, and to those who are working tirelessly for their benefit.’

For more information on Cian’s Kennels visit www.cianskennels.ie. For more information on AIB’s work in the community visit www.aib.ie/community.