Local slimmers raise €6k for charity
Two local Slimming World groups have been donating the clothes they’ve slimmed out of to 'The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw' in support of the Irish Cancer Society.
Groups in Athlone and Kiltoom have collected bags of clothes, shoes and accessories from members who slimmed out of their old wardrobes and who feel confident they’ll never need their ‘before’ clothes again. With each 10 kg bag worth around €25 to the charity, the slimmers have raised €6,000 for the charity.
Since 2013, Slimming World members in Ireland have donated over €673,000 worth of clothes for the Irish Cancer Society thanks to this activity. 'The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw' aims to increase awareness of how keeping a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer.
Jacinta Farrell, a member who has lost just over four stone since joining Slimming World says: “It felt amazing to donate all of my old clothes – liberating in fact! Bagging them up and saying goodbye was like a celebration of just how far I’ve come. I’ve lost 4bstone and not only do I feel like a new person, now I dress like one too and love going into a shop and choosing whatever I like. I always hated shopping before and just wanted to cover up and hide away. Not any more though! “
“Thanks to the amazing support I get from my consultant and the rest of the group each week, I know that this new me is here to stay. I feel much fitter, confident and healthier than I’ve ever felt before.”
“The Irish Cancer Society is a fantastic charity and one that’s very dear to my heart, it’s great to know that the money raised from my donated items will help support life-saving research.”
Consultant Pauline Bliss, who runs the group in St Kieran's Community Centre in Tormey Villas in Athlone, is so proud of her members’ fundraising efforts. She says: “The members never fail to amaze me with their weight loss results week after week . I have been blown away by their generosity, it’s been great to see so many bags of clothes donated through ‘The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw’ to such a worthy cause."
Sinead Morris, who runs the groups in The Shamrock Lodge Hotel adds: “This year’s Clothes Throw has been a fantastic success, and I can’t believe just how many bags my members, their friends and families have managed to collect. Our group was buzzing and when we collected the bags up and saw what a phenomenal amount there were altogether, and we realised what a difference we could make, the atmosphere was just electric. “
Carol Doran Joyce, who runs the groups in Kiltoom Parish Hall continues: “Lots of people don’t know that maintaining a healthy weight helps reduce the risk of developing some types of cancer. All of the wardrobes cleared and every donation made by our members, their friends and families will make a huge difference to The Irish Cancer Society and we’re so grateful for everyone’s support.”
Anyone who would like to find out more about Slimming World is invited to get in touch with their local consultant, new members are very welcome, all details of the local groups can be found on www.slimmingworld.ie