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Irish rower Katie O’Brien is urging the public to support Enable Ireland’s WinaRAV4 campaign, which aims to raise funds for the refurbishment of the Children’s Service Centre at Seamus Quirke Road, Galway. As an Enable Ireland ambassador, O’Brien knows firsthand the impact that the charity can have on the lives of children with disabilities, having attended its services until she turned 18.

O’Brien, who won the bronze medal at the 2019 World Rowing Championships and set the world’s best time in the PR2 women’s single scull at the World Cup in 2022, is now training full-time with her sights set on representing Ireland at the 2024 Paralympics in Paris. Despite her busy schedule, she is keen to give back to Enable Ireland for the support she received in her youth.

Enable Ireland has been part of my life for as long as I can remember, said O’Brien. The social side of being with a service like Enable Ireland was so important as well. I made lots of great friends there. Children and teenagers who were in a similar situation to me whether they had spina bifida or another disability. I felt the same as everyone else and that’s an amazing feeling to have as a child.

The WinaRAV4 campaign offers the chance to win a Toyota RAV4 Sol hybrid car, a Verve+ 3 electric hybrid bike, or €2,500 cash. Tickets cost €20, with three available for €50 and seven for €100. The draw will be held on May 26th in Galway, and the license was issued by the District Court in Ballinasloe.

Enable Ireland’s Children’s Service Centre at Seamus Quirke Road, Galway provides crucial services to children with disabilities, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and speech and language therapy. The refurbishment project aims to create a modern, accessible space that can better serve the needs of the children and families who rely on it.

I’m delighted to be an Enable Ireland ambassador and to support its WinaRAV4 campaign which is raising funds for the refurbishment of the children’s centre in Galway, said O’Brien. “It is a way for me to give back to Enable Ireland for everything they have done for me.

The WinaRAV4 campaign is an opportunity for the public to support a worthy cause while also having the chance to win some fantastic prizes. To purchase a ticket, visit www.winarav4.ie.