The National Council for the Blind of Ireland (NCBI) today expressed its gratitude for the safe return of Little Leap, a soft Braille toy for children with vision impairments which was returned safe and sound over a month after it was stolen from their premises on Whitworth Road, Drumcondra.
The toy, specially imported from the USA for its Early Learning Centre in Clondalkin, was one of a number of items stolen in the most recent burglary of the charity's head office. NCBI, the main service provider for people with vision impairments has been broken into 6 times in the past year, losing over €10,000 worth of equipment in that period. Little Leap was left in Clontarf Garda Station by a member of the public who wishes to remain anonymous.
Prominent Dublin businessman, Bill Cullen, Chairman of Renault Ireland and Director of the Irish Youth Foundation, was reading his book, ‘Penny Apples’ onto tape in the recording studios of the charity this morning, when he heard of Little Leap's fate and immediately offered to drive the frog safely back to NCBI's offices on Whitworth Road in his Renault Velsatis.
“The National Council for the Blind of Ireland is a charity close to my heart. I have been reading ‘Penny Apples’ onto tape for the past few weeks in the recording studios of NCBI, and doing so has really brought home to me the significance of the services provided by NCBI, and how much it means to people experiencing problems with their sight. I’m happy to help both in the recording of my book for NCBI's service users and in the rescue and safe return of Little Leap,” said Cullen.
Des Kenny, Chief Executive of NCBI, Ireland's main service provider for people with vision impairments, thanked the public for their support in the matter. “We turned to the public and the media for help after 6 burglaries which left us shocked, wondering why we were being targeted in this way. The response has been overwhelming. Not only has it led to the arrest and charging of someone in connection with the most recent incident, and the return of Little Leap by a member of the public, we have also received many pledges and donations from schools, organisations and individuals who are determined to right the wrongs committed by others. We are very grateful for the good will and support of the community, not to mention Bill Cullen, in this matter.”
ENDS