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07 Mar 2026
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07 Mar 2026
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The charity operates from Shamrock House in Portlaoise, and will be forced to close their doors if they cannot raise €42,000 remain open.
The charity does not receive funding or promotion from state agencies, and are appealing to the public to help keep this vital service available through fundraising.
Charity board member Christy Bannon launched a GoFundMe page six days ago, which has already raised over €10,000.
SOSAD Laois coordinator Ms Shirley McKay thanked the public for their generous donations, and explained to the Leinster Express / Laois Live that they still have a long way to go.
Volunteers Irina Volia and Helena Kavani with Carol Murphy, general manager SOSAD Ireland and Grace Ennis, former Laois SOSAD co-ordinator in 2022.
"SOSAD Ireland was set up 18 years ago and for the past 18 years we have strived to meet the needs of the communities and we plan to meet them far beyond the next 18 years to come.
"To do this we are asking the communities and beyond to please please please get behind us and whether it's a euro or a fiver to please donate to us through our go fund me page which is live on our social media, phone any of our offices or call in person," she said.
"This is a crucial time for the charity SOSAD and we are urging for one final push from the communities to get us over the line until we have our application submitted and reviewed by the HSE.
Fiona Redmond trainee coordinator, Vicky Dalton Coordinator and Kate Pavlenko administrator. at SOSAD Laois in 2024.
Board member Christy Bannon created a GoFundMe page, and explained the associated costs with running this service.
This messaging service allowed the public to speak to a team member over text, any time between 8pm to 12am. The charity announced recently that they were forced to close the operation due to a lack of funding.
"The Minister met the organisation to outline the steps that need to be taken for any potential funding application under the section 39 process," the Taoiseach responded.
"As the Deputy knows, as per any negotiation between the HSE and a charity organisation, information such as audited accounts, annual reports, governance arrangements and a bord of management are required so that the HSE can undertake due diligence as part of its consideration," he said.
"SOSAD is now working to provide all of that information to the HSE. It is hoped we can get this sorted," the Taoiseach finished.
You can access SOSAD Laois' GoFundMe page here.
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