The RNLI is seeking more volunteers to join their fundraising teams in Galway, Clifden, and the Aran Islands.
Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s fundraising team need a dedicated volunteer crew to help keep their lifesaving services going.
There are many ways people can give a little or a lot of their time to support the RNLI and make their own lifesaving difference.
Mary McDonagh is the souvenir secretary on the Clifden/Connemara RNLI Fundraising Branch, and volunteers her time for a range of fundraising events throughout the year.
She got involved four years ago. “I lost two brothers at sea and I wanted to help out the crew who were there for us when we needed them, I wanted to give back.”
“Those crew are all volunteers and their lifesaving work is reliant on the donations raised through fundraising and they really deserve it.”
Mary says she loves being a part of the fundraising crew and finds reward in knowing the work of the branch makes a difference.
“I love it all, the meetings, the events and all the people. The lifeboat crew support us all the time, they find time and they are special people.”
“I find it rewarding that I am trying to do something that will help the crew such as providing them with the right kit and equipment to carry out their work at sea.”
She is encouraging others to get involved, speaking of the sense of fulfilment that comes from such important work, and how it can honour the memory of loved ones lost at sea.
Mary Creedon, RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead hails the work of volunteers like Mary, stating that without them, the charity simply wouldn’t be able to operate as it does.
More than 90% of the charity’s income come from donations, and volunteers make up some 95% of its staff.
“Thousands of community fundraising volunteers organise a wide range of activities and events each year, contributing their time, energy and skills to raise money to save lives at sea.”
“Some of our fundraisers have been volunteering for many years while some just join us for a few months in the year depending on what their commitments allow.”
To find out more about how you can sign up to be a fundraising volunteer at the RNLI in Galway City, Clifden/Connemara or Aran Islands, or to apply, go to rnli.org/OneCrewVolunteers.
