Three Laois businesswomen have launched a fundraiser in aid of the staff at a nursing home which is battling through a Covid-19 outbreak.
Droimnin Nursing Home in Stradbally has been grappling with the virus since the turn of the year and so far, it has sadly claimed ten lives.
59 out of the 65 residents have tested positive while 33 of the 75 staff have suffered a similar fate since the outbreak began on December 30.
It has been a tough time for everyone and that is why three Laois women have decided to try and do something to lift the spirits of the staff.
Chloe Kelly (Stradbally), Tara Lyons (Portlaoise) and Veronica Doyle-McCormack (Portarlington) set up a small business called All The Bits last year.
The trio, who are friends from their days in Scoil Chriost Ri, founded All The Bits and it is a business which makes gift boxes and treat boxes for any occasion.
Speaking about the fundraiser, which has already raised €1,000 on GoFundMe, Chloe called on people to get behind them.
She said: “We make gift boxes for all occasions including “Thank You” boxes full of nice things to show gratitude to people we appreciate.
“We have decided that if we can raise some funds, we will make up as many boxes as we can to show our support in a small way for the remarkable and resilient staff at Droimnin.
“I’m hoping Stradbally and all of Laois can get behind this and let them all know we are thinking of them.”
Setting up a business is tough at the best of times, never mind during a pandemic, but Chloe said it has gone very well so far.
She said: “We started off with Toy Show treat boxes and went from there really.
“We had Christmas Eve activity boxes for the kids to keep busy.
“And now that there’s no major occasions happening as such, we decided to go ahead with boxes made to order with an added personalised message and photos so that people could still gift to their family and friends without leaving their homes.”
Anyone who wishes to contribute to the fundraiser can do so below:
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