Kilkenny community group one of 18 non-profit youth groups across Ireland to receive grant share of €200k

Aiséirí Aislinn in Kilkenny is set to receive €14,900 in funding.

The residential and community-based addiction treatment looks after young people aged 15 – 21 years.

This funding will support its ‘Loved Back to Life’ project. This project is focused on rescuing forgotten furniture from donations/ landfills, reviving each piece through meticulous restoration and upscale refurbishment. Young people from the Kilkenny treatment centre will be taught the necessary skills to participate in this project through Repair Cafés. The focus is on teaching new transferable skills while also learning about environmental conservation and the principles of circular economy.

Now in its 14th year, the initiative continues its commitment to fostering education, employability, and environmental leadership among young people aged 16-25. This is the second consecutive year that €200K in grants has been made available through the Coca Cola Fund, enabling a greater number of community-based projects to inspire and empower the next generation to become skilled and engaged citizens.

Gareth Duffy is Manager with Aiséirí Aislinn in Kilkenny and he told KCLR news that it allows residents to prepare for future employment. The funding also adds fun back into their lives with wellness and day trips.