22 March 2016

Easter is in the air, and in anticipation of tasty treats and frivolous fun, families can enjoy an “egg-citing” afternoon at Douglas Court Shopping Centre on Saturday, March 26th.

From 2 to 4pm, a number of the food stores and coffee shops in the Centre will host food samplings and demos in aid of the RNLI. Throughout the afternoon, The Good Fish Company will dish out tasty samples of its flavoursome chowder, smoked salmon and paté; while those who prefer red meat should pay a visit to The Butcher’s Block.

Two of Douglas Court’s original tenants, Garden Goodness and Crusty’s Bakery, who have been steadfast in the Centre’s 25 year history, are also fundraising throughout the afternoon. Garden Goodness will have tasty local soups and cheeses to try; while Crusty’s, which specialises in cakes and confectionary for special occasions, will have a selection of sweet treats available. And to wash it all down, Gloria Jeans will offer samples of some of their popular coffees.

All proceeds raised from donations made throughout the Centre on March 26th will go to the RNLI, the charity that saves lives at sea. With 45 lifeboat stations around Ireland and 57 lifeboats, the RNLI covers 1,400 miles of coastline. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, it has saved over 140,000 lives and, in 2015, its lifeboats launched 1,058 times in Ireland, bringing 1,244 people to safety.

Paul Flaherty, Chairman of RNLI Cork City Fundraising Branch said “Our service relies on public donations and legacies to ensure our crews are prepared to the highest standards when they launch and put their lives on the line, and that is why we are so grateful to be Douglas Court’s chosen charity on March 26th. In 2014 it cost €195 million to run the RNLI in Ireland and the UK; that is around €534,000 per day. 95% of RNLI people are volunteers, in Ireland there are 960 volunteer crew, 190 volunteer shore crew, and 1,100 volunteer fundraisers, plus thousands of other dedicated volunteers who raise awareness, give safety advice and help in our museums, shops and offices.”

But that’s not all that’s planned in Douglas Court on March 26th; as well as the tasty treats on offer throughout the afternoon, the Centre will host an “egg-cellant” Alice in Wonderland Mad Hatter themed event and Easter egg hunt. Keith Kenny, General Manager at Douglas Court Shopping Centre said “Come in your best Easter fancy dress costume or Alice in Wonderland costume to really immerse yourself in the action on Easter Saturday! We have great activities planned, with something everyone can enjoy, while also supporting a very worthy charity.”

For the latest news and updates find Douglas Court Shopping Centre on Facebook or visit www.douglascourt.ie.