Good Samaritan steps up as charity funds stolen from business premises in Limerick

A CITY centre businessman has stepped in to replace money stolen from charity boxes on his premises.

Steve Cunneen of Treaty City Brewery agreed to have two charity collection buckets on his premises at Nicholas Street in the city centre.

These were to help one of his neighbours Amanda Clifford cover the cost of the candles and printing for last Tuesday's annual World Suicide Prevention Day vigil she organises in Arthur’s Quay Park.

A counsellor by profession, Amanda spends on average €240 for electric candles and advertising for the vigil out of her own pocket.

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In order to help defray the cost for the September 10 event, Steve agreed to place two charity boxes in the Nicholas Street bar.

However, last week, the money from the boxes was stolen, with gardai launching an investigation.

It prompted him to step in and replace the money lost.

“Amanda is doing a great thing. It's a charity thing, and it's not fair for them to take her money,” he said.

Amanda paid tribute to the customers and staff of Treaty City Brewery.

“Those two people don't take away the generosity of Treaty, or the generosity of people who did give money. They can't take away from the light of people who did give money,” she said.

A garda spokesperson confirmed they received a report of the theft and are investigating.