WeCan

At WeCan, our mission is to work together to make the world a better, more inclusive, and more environmentally friendly place. The story of WeCan all began in March 2024 when CluneTech, a suite of global technology companies headquartered in Kilkenny, dedicated their monthly CSR Spotlight to Autism Awareness. Following an interview with Johnny McCarthy, CluneTech Facilities Manager, and his son Adam McCarthy, who has autism, CluneTech became eager to find a way to provide meaningful employment to those in our communities with intellectual disabilities. The rest, you could say is history and the idea of WeCan came to life. We’re incredibly proud to be working with the Work4Life Employment Support team from SOS Kilkenny CLG, a wonderful not-for-profit organisation that supports people with intellectual disabilities and autism in Kilkenny. Together, with the support of the community of Kilkenny, we have already built a fantastic network of businesses who are joining us on this journey. Eddie Langton, Langtons Hotel Kilkenny shares how WeCan offers companies a sustainable and practical solution for recycling their cans and bottles. If you’re interested in coming on board as a supporter, please email [email protected]. Watch the video to learn more 💙

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting one of our newest supporters, Farrell’s Bar in Freshford, Kilkenny! 🌟♻ A family-run bar, Farrell’s offers a welcoming atmosphere and caters to all kinds of occasions 🏡 It was a pleasure meeting the team and witnessing the incredible support they’re providing to WeCan, helping us create meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities, while also playing a crucial role protecting our environment by reducing litter and waste. If you’re ever near Freshford, be sure to visit Farrell’s, and keep an eye out for our bins while you’re there! 🧡 Looking for a more convenient way to return your cans and bottles? WeCan is the ideal solution for your business. We’d love to have you on this journey with us! Please email [email protected] if you’d like to learn more 🙌

We’re thrilled to introduce KBowl Kilkenny as a new partner supporting WeCan! 💙 Located at the front of MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre, KBowl Kilkenny is the county's go-to spot for bowling and a favorite destination for SOS Kilkenny CLG. Through the WeCan initiative, we partner with SOS Kilkenny to support workplace inclusion for adults with intellectual disabilities. KBowl offers ten-pin bowling, a cashless arcade, and a VR gaming experience with hundreds of options, making it a fun-filled venue for all ages. It was fantastic to meet Amy O'Connor, Supervisor at KBowl and hear about the teams excitement for joining WeCan’s mission. Their commitment to creating an inclusive space for all truly reflects the spirit of community we share. 📽 Watch the video to learn more about KBowl’s passion for supporting WeCan! For more details, reach out to us at [email protected] 💙🧡

I’m thrilled for Adam McCarthy! It’s clear from this video that he won’t let Autism hold him back! Congrats to Adam & to all our fantastic team at WeCan on winning at Ireland’s 2024 National Environmental Pakman Awards, presented by RTE’s wonderful Marty Morrissey. WeCan is a non-profit initiative, helping to create employment for people with Autism. Working within the WeCan support structure, Adam & his colleagues collect bottles from our many supporting hotels, bars, offices & sports clubs across Kilkenny, & recycle them through the Re-turn program. Together, we help protect the enviornment, create paid employment for people with Autism, & help people with intellectual disabilities to integrate closer into society. Thanks very much to Ciaran Foley (CEO) & Adam Smith of Re-turn, to Anne Corr & Mary-Pat Murphy of SOS Kilkenny CLG & to Eddie Langton, Anthony Smith, & Mark Flynn, our very first supporters. Finally, thanks so much to the more than 80 businesses in Kilkenny who have backed this initiative, and to all our team at CluneTech especially John & Gary McCarthy, Rachael Quinlan, Johnny Caldwell, & Kaylyn Burke. Together we can! WeCan.ie AsIAm - Ireland’s Autism Charity Taxback International TransferMate Global Payments Taxback Benamic

WeCan Wins Best Deposit Return Initiative at the 2024 Pakman Awards! 🏆   We’re excited to announce that WeCan has been recognized for our efforts in promoting sustainability and inclusion! Launched just a few months ago, this award marks a significant milestone in our journey to empower adults with intellectual disabilities and enhance recycling rates in Ireland 🙌   We are proud to offer meaningful employment opportunities while actively working to protect our environment. A big thank you to Johnny McCarthy, his son Adam, and the entire WeCan team for their incredible contributions. Here’s to creating even more opportunities for our communities! Read More ➡ https://bit.ly/3AfGs62   If you’re interested in coming on board as a supporter, please email [email protected] 💙

At WeCan, we're incredibly grateful for the unwavering support we receive from local businesses 💪 In our latest Supporter Spotlight, we’re thrilled to feature Daniel mc Daid, General Manager of TJ Reid Health & Fitness. Daniel and the team at Reid Fitness are committed to not only helping the community stay active and healthy but also to supporting WeCan’s mission of creating meaningful employment opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities. We sat down with Daniel to learn more about why TJ Reid Health & Fitness has chosen to partner with WeCan and how sustainability and inclusivity align with their values. 🎥 Watch the video to hear Daniel’s story! If your business is passionate about sustainability and empowering others, we’d love to hear from you. Email us at [email protected] to learn more 💙🧡

The WeCan team were honoured to attend the official launch of SOS Kilkenny CLG's Work4Life Programme earlier this week 🙌 Our team were in great company with Ministers Anne Rabbitte T.D. and Malcolm Noonan, Kilkenny Chamber's CEO John Hurley, employees from Vhi and Specsavers, Ronan Tierney from Pobal and Michelle Doyle from the Health Service Executive. Not to mention the incredible team from SOS / Work4Life, including Mary-Pat Murphy and Anne Corr, both of whom were instrumental in getting WeCan up and running. From identifying social, environmental and physical challenges within the workflow, to providing solutions, recommendations and training, their support has been invaluable. Work4Life is co-funded by the Government of Ireland, through the Department of Social Protection, and the European Union under the Workability: Inclusive Pathways to Employment Programme. #EUinmyRegion European Social Fund Plus Ireland European Platform for Rehabilitation (EPR)

Another day another.. Award nomination?!!! 😱😱🤩🤩 We are so delighted to be a finalist in the Best Sustainability Initiative Category at the 2024 Kilkenny Business Awards. These awards, which are run by Kilkenny Chamber, truly showcase the best of Kilkenny and we are honoured to be shortlisted alongside two incredible local businesses. The countdown till November 23rd is on! Wishing everyone the best of luck on the night 🥳🤞 #KBA2024 #Kilkenny

We are absolutely over the moon to be shortlisted for the 2024 Pakman Awards 🥳🙌 In just a few short months, our initiative has made incredible strides, boosting Kilkenny's participation in the Deposit Return Scheme while simultaneously employing adults with intellectual disabilities and offering businesses with an efficient, seamless solution. To be in the running against The Coca-Cola Company and Lidl Ireland on a national stage is a tremendous honour, and we'd like to wish them, along with all the other finalists, the very best of luck on the night. Roll on October 24th 🥳🎉 #FeelGoodFriday

In our next Supporter Spotlight, we were delighted to visit Zuni Boutique Hotel and Restaurant, where we met Paul Byrne, Owner and Director. Rich in history, Zuni, Kilkenny is located in the former Empire Theatre building on Patrick Street in Kilkenny, uniquely blending old and new, with its façade and Box Office cocktail bar preserved from the historic structure. We loved catching up with Paul to hear why they support WeCan and what it means for them as a local business. Paul also highlights Zuni’s commitment to employing adults with intellectual disabilities. 📽 Watch the video to learn more! For more information, email us at [email protected] 💙🧡