Meath River Rescue: "door-to-door collections not us"

Bogus collectors are relieving Navan homes of much-needed cash by claiming to be fundraising for volunteer group Meath River Rescue (MRR). Residents in the Bohermeen and Cortown areas outside Navan have been asked on their doorstep to donate to "Meath River Rescue". However, a statement by the rescue group's committee said: "We do not collect door-to-door. We never do, we will have church gate collections, or hampers for raffle, that sort of thing, but we never go door-to-door and we are totally dependant on the public for donations; without them we'd be lost. "It has come to our attention that there are collections being taken up but these are not for Meath River Rescue. We always represent ourselves clearly as Meath River Rescue and have identification but we do want to sincerely thank the public for their help." Gardai say they are aware of several complaints about bogus collectors around Navan and are investigating, but not aware of any specific complaints of people collecting door-to-door for MRR. Separately, MRR has moved from its Navan premises at Carriage Road to Liscarton Road in the town. "The committee would like to thank Mr Eamon Duignan for his generosity in the past and we wish to thank Mr Sean Keogan for making premises available at such short notice. "We will, however, be looking for a site or premises nearer the town and rivers. We would appreciate the help of the general public as well as buisness people and public representatives to that end." The MRR needs an area big enough to house six boats, three vehicles and rescue gear for all of its 43 members. MRR will be having church gate collections for the organisation, which is totally funded by donations, on the weekend of 4th-5th June at Summerhill, Longwood, Moynalvey and Clonard; on 11-12th in Carnaross and Mullaghea, and on 25th-26th at Kilberry, Fletcherstown, Oberstown and Castletown.