|
|
Nominations open for Donegal Carer
of the Year
05.08.15
DONEGAL'S voluntary
care-givers have a chance to win €1,500 and a hotel
break in this year's Irish Red Cross Carer of the
Year Awards.
The local launch of the nationwide event was held
last week at Buncrana Medical Centre. The Donegal
Red Cross Carer of the Year will be selected in
November.
Local man William McLaughlin from Ballymagan,
Buncrana, won the regional award in 2013 while Anne
Strain from Drumadooey, Burnfoot, won the Donegal
award in 2014.
Donegal has a total of 7,433 of the 180,000 carers
who work unpaid across the country. Ireland's
voluntary carers, who are mainly spouses, provide
nearly 6.3 million hours every week, according to
CSO statistics.
“As a humanitarian organisation supporting
vulnerable people at home and abroad, the Irish Red
Cross believes the work of voluntary carers, who
dedicate their lives to others, should be
celebrated," said Donegal Area Red Cross health and
social care officer Sheena Callaghan. |
 |
|
Donegal Red Cross representatives and
several Buncrana Medical Centre staff members
pictured at the launch last week of the Red Cross
Donegal Carer of the Year Awards. |
Buncrana Medical Centre
GP., Dr Aidan Roarty added: “People who take on the
role of carer, often without any formal training,
may feel overwhelmed and indeed vulnerable
themselves. The award acknowledges the wonderful
work that they do and gives them a chance to perhaps
look after themselves a little bit.”
People can nominate themselves or someone else and
you don't have to be a member of the Red Cross to
enter.
Nominations close on August 31. Forms are available
through local Red Cross branches or by contacting
Sheena Callaghan directly on 087 294 0455. You can
also call the Donegal Red Cross Centre week days 10
am to 1pm on 074 93 84776. |
|
