An information meeting regarding the current status and future plans of Bray Lakers will be held in the Newcourt School, Newcourt Road, Bray, on Tuesday October 16th.
Lakers will use the meeting to answer any questions people might have on the status of the special needs group and will welcome ideas regarding fundraising.
The Bray Lakers support centre on Seapoint Road was severely damaged in a devastating electrical fire last week which has left 400 members without essential supports and facilities.
A fleet of buses were also completely destroyed in the fire.
Speaking on the issue, Minister Simon Harris said “The fire has unfortunately caused devastating damage to the Lakers base in Bray and when I visited and surveyed the scheme with staff, it was clear the Brady centre could no longer serve as their home. I met with management and volunteers of Lakers again on Monday in Bray to discuss next steps. The most important objective for us all is the restoration of classes for club members.
“We agreed it was now time to turn this terrible incident into a positive and focus on the plan for a permanent home. There is considerable Government funding available for clubs and organisations now and I am eager to assist Lakers in anyway that I can to obtain funding to build a permanent home. I will also be working with Lakers management to secure increased funding from the HSE for additional staff members next year.”
“Lakers is an absolute institution in Co Wicklow – people all over the country know the incredible work they do and it is vital we are doing all we can to help them grow in our community.”
A GoFundMe campaign to support Bray Lakers was launched immediately after the fire and has since reached over €20,000 in the last six days.
A spokesperson for Bray Lakers has urged the community to refrain from visiting the damaged premises for health and safety reasons.
You can donate to Bray Lakers here.
