Kildare Arctic trek fundraisers donate to ex-service personnel group

A CHEQUE for €18,000 has been handed over to representatives of the Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) in Newbridge by the members of a fundraising Arctic expedition undertaken in April. The retired Defence Forces participants, all members of the Army Ranger Wing Association (ARWA), covered nearly 100 km by walking with skis and poles, each hauling 45 kg of supplies on pulk sledges.

The money is going towards a ONE project to provide essential support to former Defence Forces members, which includes the provision of a five-bedroom house and a Veteran Support Centre in Eyre Street in Newbridge, to be named Brú Dermot Earley, in honour of the late Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces.

The expedition commenced and concluded between 15 and 21 April in the small Norwegian settlement of Longyearbyen, which serves as a gateway to the High Arctic wilderness stretching towards the North Pole. Averaging 60 years of age, the team managed to traverse between 12 km and 15 km daily through extremely challenging terrain. They camped in two-person tents and faced severe winds and sub-zero temperatures, particularly during the nights, when they had to rotate 90-minute polar bear watches.

The nationwide project began a year ago and includes houses in Cork City and Limerick City which are currently being refurbished. 

"At the moment we have 51 beds nationwide for members who need emergency accommodation," said Paul Clarke, marketing and fundraising officer for the project. "When this phase is completed, it will bring that number up to 68 beds." 

It is hoped that Brú Dermot Earley will be in operation by the last quarter of next year.

The total cost of the national project is estimated to be €3.5 million. Phase 3 will include houses in Galway and Dundalk.

The €18,000 handed over in Newbridge is so far the largest individual donation to the project. The expedition members exceeded their €15,000 target.