Limerick City Civil Service has announced it will be holding a fundraising campaign this weekend to raise money for the Limerick Branch of The Samaritans and Pieta House.
The voluntary service says the purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of the full-time emotional support service provided by the organisations.
Mayor of Limerick Gerry McLoughlin, newly crowned Limerick Rose Chloe Heslin and Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick will be joining Civil Defence volunteers on the streets of Limerick City on Saturday 4th and Sunday 4th May to participate in a bucket collection. Various city centre pubs and cafes also will be accepting donations on behalf of the Civil Defence throughout the 4-day Riverfest weekend (3-6 May).
Commenting on the background to the fundraising campaign, Cecilia O’Flaherty, Limerick City Civil Defence Officer stated: “Limerick City Civil Defence has far too often experienced the tragic results of depression and in holding this fundraising campaign we want to send out a clear message to anyone who may be suffering from depression that there are people on hand who can guide them through any difficulties they may be experiencing in their lives. If we can save one life by helping The Samaritans and Pieta House to become better resourced then our efforts will have been well worth it.”
“The Samaritans provide a truly wonderful service as there is always a volunteer at the end of a phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While it remains one the largest voluntary emotional support organisation in Limerick and works in co-operation with other groups who provide a different service such as Pieta House, it remains dependant on fundraising and donations to maintain its services. We are delighted to be able to play our part and show our appreciation of those who dedicate their time to helping others,” Ms. O’Flaherty added.
Meanwhile, figures released by Limerick City Civil Defence show a dramatic rise in the number of incidents responded to by members, as well as the number of days during which search and rescue and recovery operations were carried out. Compared to one search call-out in 2011, volunteers conducted five searches over 32 days in 2012.
According to Ms. Flaherty: “Sadly, the opening quarter of 2013 has once again been a busy period for Limerick City Civil Defence. However, our members remain committed and ready to assist the other Emergency Services in search, rescue and recovery operations around the City and elsewhere, if required. Meanwhile, Civil Defence members also continue to provide medical cover for events including the annual St Patricks Day Festival, the Great Limerick Run, Riverfest, and all Munster Rugby and Limerick FC games at Thomond Park.”
Limerick City Civil Defence is 70% funded by the Department of Defence with the remaining 30% funding provided by Limerick City Council. There are currently 75 members of Civil Defence in Limerick City while a number of new volunteers are currently undergoing training.
The Civil Defence fleet includes 1 Fire Appliance, 2 Ambulances, 3 Jeeps, 2 Mini-Buses, 1 Landrover, a Mobile Communications Centre, 2 Boats (Rib, Inflatable), 2 Inflatable Tents, 6 Bicycles kitted out for First Aid duties and 10 Kayaks. The service also possesses a range of Emergency Lighting and First Aid equipment.
For more visit www.limerickcity.ie/emergency/CivilDefence. To donate to Limerick Samaritans visit www.limericksamaritans.org.
The voluntary service says the purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of the full-time emotional support service provided by the organisations.
Mayor of Limerick Gerry McLoughlin, newly crowned Limerick Rose Chloe Heslin and Richard Lynch of I Love Limerick will be joining Civil Defence volunteers on the streets of Limerick City on Saturday 4th and Sunday 4th May to participate in a bucket collection. Various city centre pubs and cafes also will be accepting donations on behalf of the Civil Defence throughout the 4-day Riverfest weekend (3-6 May).
Commenting on the background to the fundraising campaign, Cecilia O’Flaherty, Limerick City Civil Defence Officer stated: “Limerick City Civil Defence has far too often experienced the tragic results of depression and in holding this fundraising campaign we want to send out a clear message to anyone who may be suffering from depression that there are people on hand who can guide them through any difficulties they may be experiencing in their lives. If we can save one life by helping The Samaritans and Pieta House to become better resourced then our efforts will have been well worth it.”
“The Samaritans provide a truly wonderful service as there is always a volunteer at the end of a phone 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. While it remains one the largest voluntary emotional support organisation in Limerick and works in co-operation with other groups who provide a different service such as Pieta House, it remains dependant on fundraising and donations to maintain its services. We are delighted to be able to play our part and show our appreciation of those who dedicate their time to helping others,” Ms. O’Flaherty added.
Meanwhile, figures released by Limerick City Civil Defence show a dramatic rise in the number of incidents responded to by members, as well as the number of days during which search and rescue and recovery operations were carried out. Compared to one search call-out in 2011, volunteers conducted five searches over 32 days in 2012.
According to Ms. Flaherty: “Sadly, the opening quarter of 2013 has once again been a busy period for Limerick City Civil Defence. However, our members remain committed and ready to assist the other Emergency Services in search, rescue and recovery operations around the City and elsewhere, if required. Meanwhile, Civil Defence members also continue to provide medical cover for events including the annual St Patricks Day Festival, the Great Limerick Run, Riverfest, and all Munster Rugby and Limerick FC games at Thomond Park.”
Limerick City Civil Defence is 70% funded by the Department of Defence with the remaining 30% funding provided by Limerick City Council. There are currently 75 members of Civil Defence in Limerick City while a number of new volunteers are currently undergoing training.
The Civil Defence fleet includes 1 Fire Appliance, 2 Ambulances, 3 Jeeps, 2 Mini-Buses, 1 Landrover, a Mobile Communications Centre, 2 Boats (Rib, Inflatable), 2 Inflatable Tents, 6 Bicycles kitted out for First Aid duties and 10 Kayaks. The service also possesses a range of Emergency Lighting and First Aid equipment.
For more visit www.limerickcity.ie/emergency/CivilDefence. To donate to Limerick Samaritans visit www.limericksamaritans.org.
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