Inishowen Co-Op Coffee Morning Raises €20,000 for Donegal Hospice in Memory of Sarah Jo Colhoun

Staff, customers, family members and friends came together at Inishowen Co-Op's Carndonagh branch for a special Coffee Morning held in memory of former colleague Sarah Jo Colhoun.

The event, which took place on 13th June and also marked what would have been Sarah Jo's 50th birthday, attracted a fantastic turnout from across the community. Guests enjoyed refreshments, home baking, raffles and the opportunity to share memories of Sarah Jo, who was a valued member of the Inishowen Co-Op team for almost 20 years.

A beautiful memorial display featuring photographs, flowers and messages of remembrance provided a focal point for the day, while the generosity of local businesses, suppliers, staff, customers, family and friends helped make the fundraiser an outstanding success.

Thanks to the incredible support shown by the wider community, a remarkable €16,360 was raised through the Coffee Morning, raffle and online donations. In honour of Sarah Jo's memory, Inishowen Co-Op has increased this amount to an incredible €20,000, with every euro going directly to Donegal Hospice.

The funds have been donated in recognition of the exceptional care and support provided to Sarah Jo and her family.

Speaking on behalf of Inishowen Co-Op, organisers thanked everyone who supported the event.

"We would like to sincerely thank everyone who donated prizes, baked goods, refreshments and raffle items, as well as all those who attended, purchased tickets or made donations. The support shown by our staff, customers and the wider community was truly overwhelming.

This was about far more than raising funds. It was an opportunity to celebrate the life of a remarkable colleague and treasured friend who meant so much to so many people. The staff who worked alongside Sarah Jo all agreed that she would have been absolutely delighted to see so many people come together in her memory. She would have loved every minute of it."

Sarah Jo was a much-loved member of the Inishowen Co-Op family whose warmth, kindness, laughter and friendship touched countless lives throughout her years with the organisation.

"Sarah Jo's warmth, kindness and sense of humour remain with us every day, and while she is deeply missed, her memory continues to inspire us all. It was heartening to see so many people come together to celebrate her life while supporting such an important cause."

Inishowen Co-Op has also extended its congratulations to all prize winners and thanks to everyone who donated prizes and supported the raffle. A full list of prize winners is available on the Inishowen Co-Op website.

The staff and management of Inishowen Co-Op concluded by thanking everyone who helped make the day such a fitting tribute.

"Thank you for helping us celebrate Sarah Jo's life in such a meaningful way and for supporting such a wonderful cause. Your kindness, generosity and support will make a real difference to the vital work carried out by Donegal Hospice and the families they care for."