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Success: Hospital will no longer associate with Ward Union
14 January 2010 ICABS has thanked Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital for announcing that it will "no longer associate with, or accept donations from the Ward Union hunt". The hospital's much welcomed move came following an ICABS appeal last month. Our appeal was prompted by a photograph on the Ward Union's website which shows hunters posing handing a cheque to a hospital representative. In correspondence to the hospital, we highlighted the suffering caused to deer by the hunt as well as the public safety risk it poses. Cappagh Hospital's positive response comes just a few weeks after a similar statement from the Irish Kidney Association. Speaking on RTE's Liveline programme, a spokesperson for the charity declined an offer of a fundraiser from the hunt (please scroll down for more details). ICABS greatly welcomes these latest examples of charities refusing to associate with hunts. We view hunt fundraisers as thinly disguised public relations exercises designed to try and gain brownie points for hunts within the areas their blood "sport" takes place. For more information on Cappagh Hospital or to make a donation, please visit www.cappagh.ie
About Cappagh Hospital: Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital is Irelands' major centre for elective orthopaedic surgery. It has been the pioneer of orthopaedic surgery in Ireland and is now the biggest dedicated orthopaedic hospital in the country. It is a Voluntary Hospital with 160 beds and was founded in 1908 under the care of the Religious Sisters of Charity. The hospital provides the full range of Orthopaedic services including Major Joint Replacement (Ankle, Hip, Knee, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist), Spinal Surgery, Primary Bone Tumour service, Paediatric orthopaedics and Sports Injuries. The Orthotic Unit produces artificial limbs, braces and other aids for patients from all over the country. The hospital has links with Beaumont Hospital, Children's University Hospital, Temple Street , Connolly Hospital, Blanchardstown, Mater University Hospital, St. Vincent's University Hospital, St. Michael's Hospital, Dun Laoghaire and St. Columcille's Hospital, Loughlinstown.
Praise for Irish Kidney Association for refusing hunt fundraiser
ICABS has praised the Irish Kidney Association for refusing the offer of a fundraiser from the Ward Union. A Kidney Association spokesperson stated on RTE's Liveline: "We're in the business of preserving life so we'd prefer if they didn't do something on our behalf." The hunt, which has been condemned internationally for terrorising deer, is due to be banned this year. The charity's statement was made on the 15th December 2009 edition of the show, which featured a discussion about a hunted Ward Union deer that jumped onto a road and collided with a car. The deer suffered injuries and was put down while the occupants of the car were said to have been badly shaken. Responding to the Ward Union's fundraising offer, Mark Murphy of the Irish Kidney Association said that the association was "not prepared to lend our name to any hunting event". "We're in the business of preserving life so we'd prefer if they didn't do something on our behalf, certainly not to use our name," he added. "So you're saying clearly to the Ward Union hunt 'thanks but no thanks, don't organise anything for us'," clarified programme presenter Joe Duffy. To which Mr Murphy replied: "Yes, I am saying that." We applaud the Irish Kidney Association for becoming one of the latest in a line of charities that have recognised the inappropriateness of associating with those who cause animal suffering. The charity is appealing to members of the public to make donations. If you would like to help or are interested in ordering a kidney donor card, please visit www.ika.ie
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