All you need is hub
Meet your neighbours and spread a little kindness. That’s the ask from The Midleton Hub which next week will be hosting a Love Your Community day.
Taking place on Valentine’s Day, 14 Februrary, in Midleton, it is a free, town-wide celebration with its base at Wallis’ Bar, Midleton where complimentary coffees and conversation will flow freely, giving everyone in the town the chance to pop in to say hello.
While Wallis’s Bar, aka The Love Hub, will be the centre of operations, volunteers will take to the streets and the shops with hand-written positive thoughts, courtesy of many local school children.
There’ll be goodie bags from Midleton Credit Union and, because it wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without them, a red rose or two - or, in this case, 500. Those organising event say this is thanks to Ina McCarthy for Flowers and James from Colbert & Co.
“You are, pardon the pun, blooming marvellous, as are Messy Buns and Sandra at To Have & To Hold for their support of the day,” the organisers said.
Eileen Kelly McCarthy, Cupid’s Second in Command at The Midleton Hub, has been staggered by the response from the people of Midleton and the greater East Cork area since the idea of a feel-good Valentine’s Day event was first mooted.
She said: “Throughout the horrors of last October’s flooding, we saw humanity shine through. For many who were not impacted they may feel as though life has returned to normal, but it has not, nor will it ever, for so many homes and businesses.”
The Hub is, by day, a mental health and wellness initiative, offering a safe community environment and peer support for people affected by mental health and emotional wellness challenges but, post-flooding, it also become a focal point for those who just wanted to do something - anything - to help.
Eileen continued: “The initial aftermath of the flooding saw people stopping on the street to offer help, to talk, to comfort others. There was anger, hurt and frustration - but we saw a community engaging. In The Midleton Hub we saw countless volunteers coming to the doors and we saw friendships formed that perhaps would not have been made otherwise. We want to keep that going.”
Joe ‘Bunny’ O’Riordan, Founder and Chairperson of The Midleton Hub, who may or may not find himself dressed as Cupid on Valentine’s Day (wings optional) said: “Community is unity and The Midleton Hub is a safe place for anyone and everyone who needs it.
“Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to spread a little love in the community, for the community, with the community and by the community!”
The Love Your Community day will take place from 11am-6pm on 14 February and organiser hope the entire town will get involved. If you’d like to show your love for your community call The Midleton Hub on 085-8467959 or email themidletonhub@gmail.com to get involved.