An incredible €33,601.70 has been raised for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice project, in an initiative by Mayo County Council in collaboration with TELUS Digital, Ballina and Kenaidan Contractors Ltd. Collectively, between a Bound for Canada musical event over two nights, a charity raffle, and a table quiz, the organisers exceeded all expectations.
A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in reaching this fantastic total. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Online Raffle Raises €16,040
A hugely impressive €16,040 was raised for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice project through a monster fundraising raffle, sponsored by TELUS Digital in Ballina. The raffle winners were drawn at a fundraising Table Quiz at the Cot and Cobble in Ballina on Friday, February 13th.
- Fiona Bush was the lucky winner of the €5,000 Dromoland Castle Hotel Voucher.
- Mary McHugh won the framed 2025 Masters Flag, signed by Rory McIlroy.
- Michelle Munnelly won two tickets to see Take That at the Aviva Stadium in July.
Quiz Raises €936.70
A fundraising table quiz took place in the Cot and Cobble in Ballina on Friday, February 13th, as part of TELUS Digital’s fundraising activities. There was great fun throughout the evening, with the brilliant sum of €936.70 raised through the quiz for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice project.
Bound for Canada Fundraiser
The inaugural Bound for Canada: A Musical Journey from Hardship to Hope fundraiser for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice delivered a truly unforgettable experience, bringing audiences to their feet in the Ballina Arts Centre. Held over two nights in December, the concert featured a full 80-minute symphony.
A massive €13,515 was raised through the two-night event, with an additional €3,110 raised in raffles over the two nights. The shows were organised as fundraisers to support the building of The Sunflower Children’s Hospice – Ireland’s first children’s hospice on the Western Seaboard, with large crowds gathering over two unforgettable nights to support the inaugural fundraiser for the project.
Of course, it was fitting that Ballina played host to this magnificent two-night fundraiser for the Sunflower Children’s Hospice. The home of the Dunford family, Kevin Dunford was three weeks short of his ninth birthday when he sadly died in 2014. His life, values and legacy were a central inspiration behind the children’s hospice, and large crowds gathered over two unforgettable nights to support what was the inaugural fundraiser for the project.
Audiences were treated to a music extravaganza, which told the incredibly beautiful story of the Irish contribution to building and shaping modern Canada. The talented ensemble featured Sibéal, Hubert Francis, Ellen Fair, Odhrán Ó Casaide, Dr Claire Fitch, the Garda Band conducted by Inspector Pat Kenny, and St Muredach’s Cathedral Choir led by Regina Deacy, delivering unforgettable breathtaking performances. A special fundraising raffle was also launched during the Ballina performances
Special appreciation goes to all event partners, including TELUS Digital, Kenaidan, Ballina Arts Centre, Ballina Manor Hotel, Midwest Radio, Event Audio Visual, Mayo County Council, Dundalk Institute of Technology, Connacht Bottlers, Noo Chocolates, Clarie’s Kitchen and Doherty’s Daybreak, whose support made this extraordinary event possible.
Special guests on the evening included His Excellency Dennis King, Canadian Ambassador, accompanied by his wife Jana Hemphill; Minister Dara Calleary, TD; Senator Mark Duffy; Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Seán Carey; Robert G Kearns, Founding Chair, Canada Ireland Foundation; and Mark Purdy, Chair, Canada Ireland Foundation.
Speaking after the event, Martina Jennings, CEO of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, thanked everyone who made this inaugural fundraiser possible. “From performers, production teams and volunteers, the scale of goodwill and collaboration was extraordinary. I am especially grateful to our event partners whose generosity and belief in the project were instrumental in bringing Bound for Canada to life in Ballina and ensuring meaningful impact for hospice care,” she said.
Joanne Grehan, Director of Services at Mayo County Council and a board member of Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, described Bound for Canada as a truly memorable event.
“I would like to sincerely thank the people of Ballina and Mayo for embracing this inaugural fundraiser with such warmth and generosity. It also showcased the deep and enduring ties between Canada and Mayo — connections built on shared history, values, and a spirit of opportunity that continues to inspire collaboration today,” she said.
“What made these concerts so special was the way our entire community came together — families, businesses, performers, volunteers, and partners — with our children and young people at the heart of our fundraising efforts. Their future, their care, and their potential are the reason we do this. Once again, Mayo can stand tall in helping to deliver this much-needed service to the Western Seaboard. We are proud to play our part and excited for what comes next,” Ms Grehan added.
