John Curran Manager of the Donegal Volunteer Centre with Norah Cullinan Breslin of Rosses CDP at the recent Community Shop Poster Launch.
DONEGAL Volunteer Centre (DVC) and Community Shops in West Donegal have developed a poster campaign to highlight to the work of community/charity shops and the social benefit returned to the community from profits made.
The campaign has been rolled out in conjunction with mng.ie to support shops from Dungloe to Gaoth Dobhair and Falcarragh.
John Curran, manager of DVC, said: “In the current climate of cut backs and increased pressure on resources these shops are vital in supporting our community infrastructure to deliver services within the local community and we are proud to support them in their work.”
Sally Boyce of Pobal le Cheile in Falcarragh, who have been running Siopa Pobal on Main Street for three years, said: “We know first-hand the importance of this shop, we support many groups from the profits including Paistí Le Cheile and the Cumann Cairdeas Group many of whom volunteer within the shop.”
Shop such as these provide key services with the community, people have access to information and supports around services and entitlements.
It is a place for parents to access second hand school books, the St Vincent de Paul Shop in Gweedore is use it for collecting gifts and donations at Christmas and indeed many First Communion outfits have been sourced in store.
John is a self-confessed fan of the book sections. “I got to see first-hand the services supported by these shops and I have discovered that Siopa Pobal is more than just a place to buy a book for 50c.
Moira Ní Gallachóir from mng.ie who worked on this initiative with DVC said she was amazed by the value within the shops and the breath of work that the shops support.
“These shops are fast becoming an outlet within any village that is worth a browse, and are attracting additional shoppers to main street that otherwise may not have stopped.”
Norah Cullinan Breslin, manager of Rosses CDP in Dungloe said: “She is aware of people who rely on the shop to source school uniforms and items for babies and children and how important it is to the community who shop with them and those who benefit from the profits.
“Volunteers are the life blood of all community activity and Donegal volunteer Centre is there to provide support to both volunteers and community organisations across Donegal.
“We currently have 1800 plus volunteers registered and work with more than 450 groups across the region, providing training, Garda Vetting and guidance to groups and individuals.”
Donegal Volunteer Centre will be expanding this initiative across Donegal in the coming months. If your group would like to access supports, contact John Curran on Mobile 086 8186035 or email john@volunteerdonegal.ie.
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