The RNLI is looking for new fundraising volunteers to join its lifesaving crew across the county.
Volunteers are needed for branches at Arranmore, Downings/Carrigart, Ardara/Glenties/Portnoo, The Rosses, Donegal Town and Bundoran.
Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s fundraising team needs a dedicated volunteer crew.
Volunteers are at the heart of the RNLI and make up 95 per cent of its people.
They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and without them, the organisation couldn’t continue to save lives at sea.
But it’s not all about volunteering on lifeboats or at a station, there are many other ways people can give a little or a lot of their time to support the RNLI and make their own lifesaving difference.
Susie Harkin is the secretary of the Ardara, Glenties and Portnoo Fundraising Branch having first got involved five years ago. She was approached by a committee member to join and Susie says she didn’t need to think twice.
“The branch needed new members at the time and my neighbour’s son who is the chair came to me and asked if I would get involved.
“I jumped at the opportunity. Living in a rural location 200 yards from the sea and having a husband who fishes part-time with his brother and is always on a boat, I know the importance of the lifeboat in an emergency.
“I felt if I could help in any way then I wanted to be involved. I have witnessed many search and rescue missions over the years including one for a friend who was never found so I know a lot about the lifesaving activity, and I admire it so much,” Susie said.
She said a big part of the reward in fundraising is knowing the difference the funds raised can make.
“We also have good fun while doing something for a great cause. Be it to raise funds for a rope or kit for the crew, we are helping and the craic is amazing,” she added.
Mary Creedon, RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead hails the selfless efforts of people like Susie and stresses that without these volunteers the charity would not be able to continue doing what it does.
To find out more about how you can sign up to be a fundraising volunteer at the RNLI in Arranmore, Downings/Carrigart, Ardara/Glenties/Portnoo, The Rosses, Donegal Town or Bundoran, or to apply, click on the link rnli.org/OneCrewVolunteers.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)