It was celebrations all round for Spraoi Agus Spórt Family Centre after their win in the Charity Impact Awards 2018.

The Carndonagh centre which was established by five local mums in 2010 took the Social Enterprise of the Year award at Monday’s ceremony.

Spraoi agus Sport win Social Enterprise of the Year. Photo via @TheWheelIreland

Spraoi Agus Spórt were engaged in an active voting process this month to secure the win. One hundred and four nonprofit organisations and volunteers were nominated for the Charity Impact Awards and over 19,000 people voted for their favourite nominees.

The team were full of thanks on receiving their award, posting on social media: “Thanks to our Board, staff, volunteers, families and supporters for helping us win this fantastic award. Thanks a million.”

Spraoi agus Spórt was initially set up as a Parent and Toddler Group to address the lack of activities for young families in Inishowen.

It all began when in 2010, when friends Helen Nolan, Ailbhe Hickey, Louise Grant, Helen Doherty and Kathleen Gallagher were desperately in need of a social outlet as young mothers, as were many of their friends.

It has since evolved into a vibrant family hub which improves the quality of life for families in the area. The workshops, events and afterschool care play a key role in the Carndonagh community.

Spraoi agus Spórt activities are hosted in five units around Carndonagh and they have 1,850 families on our database. Their team consists of 5 full-time staff, 70 freelance facilitators and 10 Special Needs Assistants.

They now offer fully-inclusive activities, classes and holiday camps for the whole community. Five hundred people, young and old, attend the hub every week.

“Everyone involved in Spraoi agus Spórt is passionate about what we do and love doing it – that is what makes us special and ensures that we can deal with our ongoing challenge of ensuring we meet the demand for services from within our community,” said the founders.