Little chefs cook up a storm to raise €1,000 for Temple Street
By Maurice Garvey
BUDDING little chefs cooked up a street treat over the weekend, raising funds for Temple Street Children’s Hospital in the process.
The bake sale was organised by Betty Kavanagh, for the smaller residents on Thomond Road in Ballyfermot.
Betty with Jr Bakers Ellie, Alex, Maison, Emily, Elizabeth, Eliza, Sophie, Heidi, Ellie and Lauren
“I saw an add in one of the news rags to buy equipment for Temple Street, where the little kid Adam King goes, and thought this will give me something to do,” said Betty (63).
“It was absolutely brilliant. They are a lovely bunch of kids and we cleared €1k. The generosity of people was brilliant. We got so much, people asking ‘how much’ and giving what they could.”
Betty’s husband built a gazebo and Betty sewed together 16 chef hats and aprons for kids on the road out of her own pocket.
“All the kids were dying to get involved. They asked are we cooking in your kitchen, no I said, bake in your own kitchen. The weather on Saturday was made to measure. We are lucky to have a double garden and put our cars down the road at a neighbour’s house.”
Betty was diagnosed with TB as a 17-year-old and spent a month in hospital, during which, the illness had a serious impact on her health.
Ellie, Lauren and Heidi
“I couldn’t have kids but I love kids, it was great seeing their little smiles at the bake sale and they learned something valuable,” she said.
Betty, who loves to travel abroad and is heavily involved in local groups like the Bungalow, was terrified of contracting Covid due to her underlying condition, but wanted to stay focused on the positives.
“I love organising, and was previously involved in an event for the Limelight Club in Peamount Hospital. A lovely neighbour went to Peamount Hospital and there used to be day trips for the poor old divils.
“That died out but I often thought of getting involved in something else, and then I saw the add for Temple Street.”
Due to the success of the bake sale, Betty’s front garden on Thomond Road will likely provide more valuable outlets for youngster’s to develop their baking skills over the coming months.
