During normal times, the Galway branch of the Irish Kidney Association’s largest annual fundraiser is the sale of Forget-Me-Nots during Organ Donor Week.
But charities such as the Irish Kidney Association have seen their fundraising badly hurt by public restrictions imposed to combat the spread of coronavirus.
Large fundraising events, as well as simple bucket collections in the street, have all fallen away as the country shelters in place during the pandemic.
Chair of the Galway branch Eoin Madden has made the following appeal, “This year obviously the sale of Forget-me-nots is another casualty of the CoVid-19 crisis.”
“However our vital work promoting organ donation, and supporting patients must continue.”
“So we are appealing to the public to donate via our Galway IKA Facebook Page or texting the word Kidney to 50300. Sending the text will donate €4 from your account to Irish Kidney Association.”
The Irish Kidney Association is a national charity, providing patient aid, support, counselling, holiday dialysis and much more vital services to patients with renal disease.
The IKA also provides accommodation for families on the grounds of Beaumont Hospital, which has been turned over to the hospital for this crisis.
The IKA said that it will “rise to the challenge” of this national health crisis, and assist in any way it can.
All operations of the charity have been moved online, including local branch meetings.
One meeting will is on this Thursday evening at 8pm. Email eoinmadden@gmail.com if you would like to attend.
Finally the IKA Galway urges anyone with an organ transplant to isolate, as you are classed as “extremely vulnerable” by the HSE.
