Paint a bird for Marymount
Since first opening the doors to Cré Pottery Studio in Skibbereen 2017, owners Sophie Miall and Suzanne O’Connor have held an annual fundraising event for Marymount Hospice.
The charity has been close to both their hearts since Suzanne lost her mum to cancer some years ago.
During that difficult time, Marymount Hospice provided fantastic care and support to Suzanne and her family and the two business partners wanted to find a way to give something back.
Earlier this year Marymount put out an appeal to upgrade their gardens and this was the inspiration for Sophie and Suzanne’s latest fundraising idea.
They have since launched a range of beautiful pottery bird painting kits to encourage pride of place in homes all over Ireland.
“Our idea is that these birds will remind each of us of the great work that everyone at Marymount Hospice does and perhaps remind us of a loved one who’s suffered from cancer,” said Suzanne.
These Paint a Bird for Marymount kits can be posted all over Ireland from €5. Each kit includes a ceramic bird, acrylic paint, brushes and instructions for how to paint your very own bird.
Usually, Cré Pottery Studio’s fundraiser takes place in the form of a day of painting pottery at the pottery studio and café on Market Street in Skibbereen.
However, due to Covid-19 restrictions, not only did Sophie and Suzanne need to re-think their fundraising idea, they had to completely pivot their business model.
Sophie said:“People loved still being able to continue painting in the familiar surroundings of their own homes. People were painting gifts for family and friends and also for themselves. Painting is such a therapeutic activity and we are so pleased to have been able to facilitate this. We have received so many beautiful pieces coming back to be fired in the kiln.”
Each kit is priced at €15 with all profits going to Marymount. Kits are available in store or online at crepotterystudio.com.
The fundraiser will last for the entire month of June or while stocks last.
There is also a donate button on the Cré Pottery Studio Facebook page.