Oxegen donate €70k to community groups

A total of twenty-four charities and community groups in the Naas area are to receive €70,000 between them thanks to a donation from Oxegen promoters MCD.

It’s a continuation of the good that the festival does for the area every year despite having 80,000 people descend on the town. The town and local community have support Oxegen since inception and have been shown expressions of gratitude by MCD each year with now €400,000 have gone to charities and community groups in recent times.

This year, the largest beneficiary will be Naas St Vincent de Paul who will receive €15,000.  Among the other groups receiving significant donations are Barretstown, Naas Care Of The Aged and Nas Ni Ri Community Centre.

Commenting on the donations, Kate Conway of St Vincent de Paul Naas said:

“The funds donated on the back of the annual Oxegen concert will provide invaluable support to families in need in the local community.  Given the current economic problems, fundraising is very difficult and the demand for support has never been greater.  Oxegen provides invaluable support to the local economy and further support by the very generous donations made to charities and local community organisations”

Oxegen’s festival director John Probyn comments:

“Oxegen would not be possible without the on-going co-operation and support of the local community.  We hope that the donations help each of the recipient groups to continue to enrich the lives of the local community.”

Allan Shine, CEO of North Kildare Chamber recognises the economic boost that Oxegen gives to Kildare:

 “The Oxegen festival has become synonymous with Kildare.  It brings a much needed boost to the local economy, especially the hospitality sector.  The festival continues to raise funds for local charities and the Chamber congratulates the festival organisers for their efforts.  Having this festival in Kildare for 8 years is an excellent achievement”

In 2011, Oxegen featured superstars Beyoncé, Coldplay, The Foo Fighters and The Black Eyed Peas in a line-up that was voted the best in Europe.

Following Oxegen 2011, the following donations will be distributed: