The ‘Red Oak Gives Back’ Campaign
Here at Red Oak we are proud of our origins and so thankful to the local community of Carlow for their support, which is why, we think it’s only fair we give something back! So this month, we’re running our ‘Red Oak Gives Back’ campaign.
Throughout the full month of September, we’ve partnered with a local worthy cause, the Delta Centre, to help raise much needed funds for them. We’re giving a €5 donation for every refund received during the month and we’re also selling a novelty cow keyring with all proceeds going to the Delta Centre.
Fiona, Richard, and Angela from the Delta Centre Enterprise Cafe on O’Brien Road, Carlow.
About The Delta Centre
To tell you a bit more about the Delta Centre, we’ve asked Angela and Fiona from the Delta Centre run Entreprise Café to tell us why this is such a great cause…
Angela, who previously worked for the famous local bakery Crottys, has been working for the Delta Centre for the past 12 years, explains what the Delta Centre is all about “The Delta Centre provides a range of services for adults with physical and intellectual disabilities, from training to respite care to multi-sensory therapy. The training they receive is extensive – subjects like computers, catering, horticulture, music and literacy (up to Junior Cert level). We call the trainees ‘learners’, and if they excel at a particular subject or show a passion for something, we try to offer them work opportunities which will allow them to develop those skills further”.
“We’re involved in the supported employment opportunities here at the Café. The learners help us with setting tables, washing-up, and prepping – such as washing vegetables. The employment is supported, so behind the scenes the learners can also avail of behavioural and medical programmes, and further training. The aim of the supported employment is to provide these adults with a sense of self-worth, while also enabling them with independent living skills. We encourage them to do as much as they can do to the best of their ability” adds Fiona, originally from Galway but living in Carlow for the past 14 years and working with the Delta Centre for 3.
“The learners make the job for us” says Angela. “They’re so funny and affectionate, kind people. Everyday is different, everyday we have a laugh. Seeing them achieve something – you can’t put that into words. We get more out of the job than we give”.
“The Delta Centre is a fabulous place for learners to grow” states Fiona. “We provide a friendly, relaxed atmosphere, where the learners are treated with respect and are allowed to have their own individual personalities”.
Due to the expansion of this fondly-valued organisation, the Delta Centre are currently looking to raise €15,000 to construct a new training facility, specifically designed to train and upskill learners in food preparation and café work.
The Enterprise Café is one of the supported employment opportunities for ‘learners’. It is located in the Enterprise House on O’Brien Road, Carlow and is open to the public daily 9am-4.30pm. They provide a full menu, including breakfast rolls; homemade bread, scones, and soups; wraps, baguettes, paninis and salads; and beverages including speciality teas – all freshly prepared from the Delta Centre kitchen. They also provide a phone ahead or booking service on 087-8436217.
Many thanks to Angela and Fiona for giving us their time and contribution.
Red Oak are also giving a €5 donation to the Delta Centre for every customer who receives a refund during the month of September. Apply here.
Written by Alexandra Byrne
I’m what you call an all-rounder! Having worked in customer services, accounting and now in marketing, I’m the one who can tie all the pieces of the puzzle together. I’ve a BSc from University of Limerick so I’m analytical, but I also love change! I’m constantly astounded by the lack of awareness we Irish have about our entitlements, and I like spreading the word about tax refunds – so as many people as possible can claim everything they are entitled to.