Christmas festivities get off to cheerful start in Mountmellick when trucks and tractors from around Leinster converge in the town on Saturday December 18 in a major fund-raising drive-in aid of the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre.
A ‘Light Up Truck and Tractor Run’ is being organised by Mountmellick Macra and is the first of its kind to be held in the town.
The club’s chosen charity for their maiden event is the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre, Portlaoise.
This charity fits in with the theme of the run ‘where there’s light there’s hope’ Annual running costs of the centre are in the region of €250,000 which is primarily funded by community fundraising.
The Truck and Tractor Run was officially launched on Friday evening in Mountmellick Macra Hall.
Speaking at the launch Committee Chairman, Chris Joyce, said the organisers are hoping the whole community will turn out to support the charity run.
He said: “This is the first event of its kind to be held in Mountmellick and organised by the club.
“The past number of months have been particularly difficult for everyone and we are hoping that our Light Up Truck and Tractor Run brings some festive cheer and merriment to the town as well as raising funds for the Cuisle Cancer Support Centre.”
Assembly point for the Run is the grounds of the Mountmellick Development Association with registration starting from 3pm with the Run commencing at 6pm sharp.
Fee for trucks is €30 and tractors €20. The tractor and trucks will take two separate routes and a copy of the route will be given to participants upon registration.
As the event is being held the week before Christmas, organisers are encouraging participants to dress in Christmas attire and decorate their vehicles in lights and all things Christmas as prizes for best vehicles will be awarded on the night.
However, it is important to note that decoration is not essential to participate in the run.
The organisers have been blown away with the generosity of people and the willingness of volunteers to help organise and steward the event.
A spokesperson said: “We wish to acknowledge the support of Mountmellick Development Association for the use of the car park facility, the Hare’s Corner Restaurant, the local Gardai In Mountmellick and Liam Preston of Laois Civil Defence.
“The parade of trucks will travel through Mountmellick, Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Ballacolla, Agaboe, Pike of Rushall, Mountrath, Ballyfin and back to Mountmellick to enjoy an evening of festive cheer.
“The parade of tractors will travel through Mountmellick, Rosenallis, Clonaslee, Killeigh and back to Mountmellick.
“Members of the public are invited to line the streets and are welcome to visit to the MDA Car park to cheer on the event. Prevailing Covid guidelines will be strictly adhered at all times.
“Don’t have truck or tractor and want to donate- no problem! A separate donation link has been set up for people who wish to make a donation to the Cuisle Centre and can be made via Mountmellick Macra’s Light Up Truck and Tractor Run Facebook page.”
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