It’s been a week of cancellations.

As the government brings in drastic measures to delay the spread of coronavirus, many important charities have been forced to cancel the annual fundraisers that keep them going.

Now Cope Foundation has made the decision to cancel the Flowers of Hope Collection Day, due to go ahead today, as well as all other Flowers of Hope events that fund the organisation’s work in enhancing the lives of people with an intellectual disability and/or autism and enabling them to live life to the full and actively participate in their community.

“The annual fundraising campaign was expected to raise €40,000 for the Cork disabilities organisation. However, following the guidance from the HSE, we cannot expect our volunteers to publicly shake buckets, organise coffee breaks and handle cash in the circumstances.” the charity said in a statement.

The campaign was to provide vital funding for Cope Foundation, and the organisation is now asking people to help Cope by donating instead online or by text.

It’s as little as the cost of a cup of coffee but it could make a big difference.

Here’s how you can chip in:

• You can donate €4 by texting COPECORK to 50300.
• Visit the iDonate page has also been set up for this appeal here.

One hundred per cent of your donation goes to Cope Foundation across most network operators. Some operators apply VAT which means that a minimum of €3.25 will go to Cope Foundation.