THE OWNER of a Cork-based theatre company is spreading happiness and uplifting spirits in a unique way, all in aid of a charity which helps older people.
Scott Duggan of Cyclone Rep Theatre Company first treated his neighbours with an open air showing of a classic film with all proceeds from the night going to elderly charity Age Action.
The open air cinema began making its way around Cork city, with elderly people on Windmill Road and Frankfield Terrace getting to relax from the safety of the front of their homes with cups of tea and watching the film, retaining a sense of community while keeping a safe distance from one another.
Non-profit organisation Age Action praised Scott and everyone who raised money for "your donation and also for keeping your community socially connected," thanking him for the "beautiful work"-- you can click here to find out more about their work.
This weekend, Scott took his big screen campaign to the Amberley Nursing and Retireent Cottages near the town of Fermoy, County Cork, where the residents were treated to the classic film 'Singing in the Rain' on a balmy Saturday evening.
Enjoying the film while drinking a glass of wine and finger food in Amberleys' reception hall, resident Breda Pattenson told RTÉ News that "a night like tonight makes a big difference.
"It's very hard not seeing your family."
The restrictive measures in Amberley, however, have worked-- all 64 residents in the home are healthy, with no reported coronavirus cases among either the residents or staff.
Head of Nursing at Amberley, Neethu Thomas, who helped organise the screening with Scott Duggan, told RTÉ News "we know it is lockdown season and I am pretty sure this is one of the safest activities we can provide for our residents in this difficult situation," adding that "everyone is excited".
Breda told the outlet that the event was a huge success, saying "just t sit there and enjoy it was lovely, especially at the moment with this virus around.
"We can't go out, so it's a great addition to us".
The staff at Amberley Home and Retirement Cottages had previously sent out a request for people to write to their residents, saying they would really appreciate receiving letters.
"Anyone with a little extra time in their hands due to the recent restrictions young or old, it would be great if you could write a little letter to the residents", a staff member wrote on Facebook.
If you would prefer to email, you can do so by addressing it to receptionamberley.ie with the subject FAO Margaret Kearney Acivities Coordinator.
Anyone who would like to send a letter should do so at the below address.
Amberley Nursing Home.
Acres,
Fermoy,
Cork
P61 AP57
