Macra paved the way for newly funded ‘Big Hello’
Macra has welcomed the announcement by Rural and Community Development Minister Michael Ring that €10,000 is to be made available to each of the 31 local authorities, as part of the inaugural ‘Big Hello’ initiative.
The Big Hello National Community Weekend will take place over the May Bank Holiday Weekend (May 4-6).
The initiative will support communities to host events in order to strengthen community ties and tackle the problems of social isolation.
A Macra na Feirme survey of its young farmers last September found that a third believe that isolation is the biggest issue facing Ireland’s rural communities, followed by depopulation.
Macra na Feirme National President, James Healy said, “Macra na Feirme has been a trailblazer in the area of building community spirit with our annual Know Your Neighbour events around the country.”
“This announcement of funding from the government is very much welcomed, as it will allow Macra clubs and other community based organisations to access government funding for their Know Your Neighbour events in this national “Big Hello” weekend.
“As our members know from their years of work within the community, a barbecue, coffee morning, or picnic, can make all the difference to people living in social isolation.’
