Mountmellick truck and tractor run being launched today
The annual Mountmellick Macra 'light up truck and tractor run' will roll out on Sunday, December 15, with the launch taking place today, Saturday, November 15 featuring a tug-of-war competition at O'Connell Square.
Proceeds will go to the Laois branch of SOSAD. The organisation is dedicated to supporting individuals and families across Ireland in managing their mental health and overcoming life's challenges.
"We offer compassionate, confidential support, recognising that early help can save lives," a spokesperson for SOSAD said.
"We believe that no-one should ever face their struggles alone, and we work tirelessly to ensure that professional support and resources are available when needed most, empowering individuals to take control of their mental wellbeing and find hope in difficult times."
The Laois branch offers one-to-one counselling, walk and talk therapy and bereavement supports.
Mountmellick launch
The tug-of-war weigh-in will be at 7:00p.m today with the full pull shortly afterwards. Daniel McEvoy, one of the club members, is a tug-of-war fanatic and has organaised the event to complement the main fundraiser.
There will be music, food and refreshments at the Hollow Bar, Mountmellick.
People are asked to come out and support the fundraiser. "It's going to be a brilliant night for a great cause," the organisers have said.
"So far there has been great interest in the event. It's a street pull, and people can still join in so if any team is interested they can turn up on Saturday night, no pre-registration is required," Rosemary Whelan of Mountmellick Macra said.
"We estimate the event will last approximately an hour, with all the teams pulling against each other in a round robin system, until there is one final winner.
"We will have male, female and mixed teams. It is going to be great fun and there hasn’t been a street tug-of war-in the town for a long time.
"We acknowledge the generosity of people. Last year our event in aid of Laois Down Syndrome raised €20,560 for the charity."
Other truck and tractor run
Meanwhile, the annual Edenderry light up truck and tractor run in aid of Laois/Offaly Families for Autism will take place on Saturday, December 6 from 6:00p.m.
The festive parade will start at Edenderry Business Park at Monasteroris, proceed along the new inner relief road to Tesco and through the centre of town. From there, the parade will make it way towards Daingean, onto Croghan and Rhode.
Keeping the festivities going will be the famous Santa truck which will be the focal point at the GAA grounds on December 10.
