ONE, the not-for-profit organisation providing support and advocacy for ex-service personnel of the Irish Defence Forces, has received a quick cash injection to connect its veteran residential homes with new technology, thanks to the RISE Community Fund supported by National Broadband Ireland (NBI).
Established by NBI Chairman, David McCourt, RISE has awarded over 160 cash grants across the country to rural organisations seeking to boost their digital ecosystems. The fund is further supported by corporate sponsors including KN Circet, KPMG, DreamDev Technologies, and TLI Group.
ONE currently provides accommodation (board and lodging) for approximately 50 veterans, who otherwise would be homeless, across four residential homes in Cobh, Athlone, Dublin and Letterkenny. The organisation has also developed a nationwide network of Veteran Support Centres and is expanding its accommodation services, with a new six-bedroom facility in Cork City and plans underway for a six-bedroom home in Limerick City.
Paul Clarke from ONE, commented: “ONE is committed to ensuring that veterans have safe, secure accommodation and the support they need to rebuild their lives. This grant from RISE will allow us to introduce improved connectivity, smart technologies and community-focused security systems across our homes, enhancing day-to-day living for the veterans we support.”
David McCourt, Chairman of NBI and founder of RISE, explained why supporting organisations like ONE is so important: “We’re delighted to support ONE with this grant. The organisation is doing incredible work for veterans across the country, and it’s exciting to see how technology can be used to enhance their residential facilities and improve quality of life for those who have served.”
Across the country, delivery of the National Broadband Plan continues at pace, providing opportunities for groups like ONE to explore new ways to use technology. With over 450,000 premises now able to order a high-speed fibre connection on the NBI network, NBI remain on time and on budget.
RISE advisory board member and former Primark executive, Breege O’Donoghue, commented: “ONE is a fantastic organisation that is offering remarkable support to veterans up and down the country. It’s been a real pleasure for everyone involved in the RISE Community Fund to learn more about their plans to invest in new technologies to improve the lives of veterans. With NBI delivering high-speed connectivity across the country at pace, it’s exciting to see how organisations like ONE can see the opportunity to implement new technology and deliver real tangible benefits.”
NBI is people to visit www.nbi.ie to check whether their home, farm or business is included in the National Broadband Plan and to sign up for Eircode-specific updates on the rollout.
Read more about the RISE Community Fund at riseglobalfoundation.com.
Photo caption: The RISE Community Fund and National Broadband Ireland (NBI) are delighted to support ONE. Paul Clarke, ONE Marketing and Fundraising Manager, Breege O’Donoghue, RISE advisory board member and former Primark executive, and Tara Collins, Chief Marketing Officer, NBI. Photo: Shane O’Neill.
