WIN €100,000 IN GALWAY RAPE CRISIS CENTRE FUNDRAISER

Galway Rape Crisis Centre Celebrates a Life-Changing Win in Fundraising Draw

Christmas 2024 will forever be a memorable one for Rahoon’s Deirdre Butler, who emerged as the lucky winner of an astonishing €100,000 in the Galway Rape Crisis Centre’s (GRCC) landmark fundraising draw, Win100Grand.ie.

Deirdre, a dedicated teacher, was the first name drawn during the thrilling finale at the GRCC headquarters on Saturday night. She had been among the first supporters to purchase a ticket when the fundraiser launched in April.

“I’m in complete shock, I just can’t believe it. It’s fantastic news. It will make a huge, huge difference,” Deirdre said.

The draw, which began last April, saw tickets purchased across Ireland and internationally, spanning Europe, Asia, Australia, and America. The widespread participation highlighted the incredible support for GRCC’s mission and the urgent need for expanded services.

GRCC Executive Director Cathy Connolly expressed her heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the fundraiser such a success.

“I just want to thank everybody who supported us and bought tickets since we launched the fundraiser. The reaction in Galway, across the country, and even globally has been wonderful,” she said.

The proceeds from this fundraiser are a crucial step in making a long-held dream a reality—establishing a new home for Galway Rape Crisis Centre in the Claddagh. The state-of-the-art building is set to open in May 2025 and will provide an enhanced space for GRCC’s essential services.

“We are hugely excited about the new build and the opportunity to move to one of the most picturesque locations in Galway. This move will allow us to expand our reach, enhance our services, and continue our vital work in raising awareness through education,” Cathy added.

The new centre will serve as a beacon of hope for survivors, ensuring that they receive the support, care, and advocacy they need. With this expansion, GRCC remains committed to its mission of providing a safe, compassionate, and empowering space for those affected by sexual violence.

Thank you to everyone who participated in the draw and contributed to making this vision a reality. Your support is transforming lives and shaping a stronger, more resilient community.

Exciting Progress on Galway Rape Crisis Centre’s New Building

We are thrilled to share some exciting news— construction of Galway Rape Crisis Centre’s new home is well underway! The prefabricated elements are now being put in place, and it’s incredible to see the visible fruits of years of hard work and planning come to life right before our eyes. This marks a significant milestone, not just for GRCC, but for the entire Galway community.

Located at No. 7 Claddagh Quay, our new building will be a cornerstone for the essential services we provide. Over the past 40 years, we’ve stood as a beacon of hope and support for survivors of sexual violence across Galway City, County, Roscommon, and North Clare. As our services have grown, so too has the demand, and the need for a dedicated, purpose-built facility has never been more pressing.

This new space is more than just a building—it represents a brighter future for survivors and the community. The expanded facility will allow us to more than double our service provision, offering a welcoming, safe environment for all who seek our help. With custom-designed counselling rooms, office spaces, and meeting areas, we will have the capacity to better serve survivors, offering support, advocacy, and healing with the dignity and privacy they deserve.

The building has been thoughtfully designed with inclusivity in mind. We are committed to ensuring that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background, has access to the vital services we provide. From young people as young as 12 to adults who have experienced trauma, our new home will be a safe haven for all who need it.

This moment is a testament to our community’s resilience and unwavering commitment to breaking the silence and stigma around sexual violence. It’s a symbol of hope for survivors, showing that support is available and that healing is possible.

We could not have reached this stage without the incredible generosity of our supporters. Your contributions have been instrumental in making this vision a reality. We still need your support to finalise this vital project. Every donation is an investment in the future of survivors and the ongoing mission of Galway Rape Crisis Centre.

Together, we are building more than just a structure—we are building a future of healing, empowerment, and change. Stay tuned for more updates as our new home continues to take shape, and thank you for being part of this journey with us.

Let’s keep working together to create a brighter tomorrow for everyone in our community.

Warm regards,
The Galway Rape Crisis Centre Team