Cope Foundation to Light Up Cork for International Day of Persons with Disabilities

A young graphic designer and visual artist, who is supported by Cope Foundation, is appealing to the people of Cork to support the organisation’s virtual giving page and shine a light on inclusion this Friday, December 3rd. 

Cork County Hall will be lit up in red on Friday to mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Cope Foundation is also asking the people of Cork to make a special effort to ‘Light Up’. It can be something as simple as wearing a Christmas jumper or a Santa hat with flashing lights, or putting fairy lights around your desk at work.

Cope Foundation’s ‘Light Up Cork’ virtual giving page is designed by Amy Begley, who is supported by the organisation. The website shows a night sky over a number of well-known landmarks across Cork city and county. Donors are asked to dedicate a star to a loved one. By lighting up a star they are also shining a light on Cork and inclusion. 

Amy Begley has been working as a graphic designer for four years. She said she is delighted to be part of the project, “This is a great example of inclusion. I was asked to create something with my skills. Thank you for seeing me as an artist and not as a different ability person. I loved every minute of being part of something good. I loved creating the landmarks and adding detail. I get lost in designing that kind of work. I feel relaxed. I also enjoyed working with Cope-Foundation on this project.”

Matthew Murphy is a Freelance Filmmaker, Photographer and an Actor. He is a Creative Arts Worker at Suisha Inclusive Arts, Cope Foundation. He said, “As a person with a disability and a local from Cork, I’m more than proud we have a campaign like this, as we can come together as a community to show our support for inclusion and accepting people for who they are.”

Sean Abbott, Chief Executive of Cope Foundation, said: “Amy is a wonderful ambassador for Cope Foundation and we are delighted to be able to partner with her for our 2021 Christmas campaign. We are also delighted to work with Matthew who has taken some fantastic photos of Amy to promote ‘Light Up Cork’. We hope that the virtual giving page will help us to raise much-needed funds for our organisation but, more importantly, it is about continuing the conversation around rights and equalities for people with disabilities and/or autism. I hope that companies, schools and individuals will make a special effort to ‘Light Up’ this Friday and shine a spotlight on inclusion.”

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a United Nations-sanctioned day that aims to promote the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all spheres of society. 

Cope Foundation supports 2,800 people with an intellectual disability and/or autism to live ‘Your Life, Your Way’.  Cope Foundation has a growing network of 70 centres stretching from East Cork to West Cork. The landmarks in Light Up Cork represent some of the towns and areas where Cope Foundation services and supports are available. On the page you will find the Shandon Bells in Cork city; the Kindred Spirits sculpture in Midleton; the Castle Gates in Macroom; St. Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh and the Baltimore Beacon in West Cork. 

To light up a star online visit www.lightupcork.ie