A teacher at PCC Falcarragh is among a group of volunteers around the country who’ve received awards for their commitment to the Irish humanitarian organisation, Concern Worldwide.
Packie Doohan, who teaches maths and religion, has been collecting for Concern since 1994 after he was asked to help with the annual Christmas Eve collection by his then former colleague, Brian Cannon.
“Years ago I spent a year teaching in Lagos in Nigeria and I would have seen a lot of poverty. I also spent a couple of weeks in Uganda recently. You’d have an appreciation of where the money is used and how much it’s been valued in those countries,” said Packie.
He added that the Falcarragh community has been very supportive of the Christmas Concern collection, and it’s become an annual social event raising on average €1,800 per year.
“You’d always find the same people, they’re almost waiting on you. They’re coming over and they’re giving you the contribution every year. It’s a nice day out, you get to chat to people you don’t normally get a chance to chat to or haven’t met for a couple of months.”
As well as the Christmas Eve collection there are smaller collections and fundraising events in PCC Falcarragh. Mr Doohan says he has nothing but praise for the young people of Falcarragh.
“Young people are very aware of development issues, they know of the level of poverty and needs in many parts of the world. They’re incredibly generous when it comes to time and raising money.”
Also among the awardees at the virtual ceremony on the 5th December, was Inishowen native and Galway-based Dr Áine Sperrin, who was acknowledged for her adjudicating role at the Concern debates around Galway city.
A researcher at the Centre for Disability Law and Policy in NUIG Galway, Áine said of her award, “I’m really thrilled to get it. It’s nice to be recognised. Every time you do it (adjudicating), you learn something new, you learn how teams work together and how proud parents are.”
Concern’s Chief Executive, Dominic MacSorley, praised the organisation’s volunteers and all those who support them in their efforts.
“The extraordinary commitment of Concern volunteers has kept a flame of compassion alive in communities around Ireland,” he said.
“Their commitment has been integral in sustaining Irish people’s solidarity in action across the world’s hardest hit areas. We cannot thank them enough for their support, particularly at this most challenging time.’
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