People fundraise in many ways. They run a marathon, skip for two hours, jump out of an airplane or play a hand or two of poker.
Des McKenna, the latest recipient of a BD/Drogheda and District Chamber ‘Community Champion’ award, paints.
He is a quite unique character. He had always dabbled, but gave up the art at 18 and only returned to it when he was 66. But he hasn’t wasted any time in making up for long time – painting thousands of images over the last number of years, raising nearly €16,000 in the process.
Known affectionately as ‘OAP’ – Original Affordable Paintings, his brand has found homes in many places and today, his gallery (or wall) is at Soy Wax Melts on Shop Street, where Helen has been a huge supporter. ‘People can see my work there and purchase if they wish,’ he states.
His paintings are done with love and from the heart and retail below €5. ‘When you look at the prices I charge and the money we have managed to bring in for charity, that means I have to get a lot of paintings done!’
He spends Fridays producing the images with all proceeds at present going to Tredagh Lodge and Drogheda Homeless Aid.
‘I do it because I love it,’ he states.
Catherina McGuirk, Plant Manager, BD, said they were delighted to again sponsor the award series and meeting Des was really special.