|
|
Sonia lifts Irish Red Cross trophy
12.05.16
AN Inishowen teenager
has been named the first ever Irish Red Cross Young
Volunteer of the Year.
Sonia McKinney (14) was nominated for the award for
her fundraising initiative on behalf of the Donegal
Young Carers Group.
Normally a very “quiet and shy young girl”, Sonia
took everyone by surprise by recording a CD of songs
‘Orla’s Guiding Light’, from the sales of which she
has already raised more than €1,000.
Sonia, from the border village of Muff, decided to
fundraise for the group after the death of her aunt
Orla, who had originally set it up. Through her
fundraising activities, the local girl is
encouraging other young people to discuss their
feelings and the importance of opening up "about
what makes you sad". |
 |
|
Sonia McKinney, Irish Red Cross Young
Volunteer of the Year. |
Sonia received the
award at a ceremony last weekend in Farmleigh House,
Dublin. The event marked the eve of World Red Cross
Red Crescent Day, held each year on May 8 to
celebrate the work of the Red Cross globally and
locally.
Volunteers from twelve counties were shortlisted for
the nine award categories. With Cork, Kerry, Dublin,
Donegal, Tipperary and Waterford taking home the
winning trophies.
Irish Red Cross chairperson Pat Carey, said, “My
spirits are lifted listening to the stories of our
nominees and winners. It is a wonderful thing to
have an event like this that recognises the value of
volunteers, those here, in Ireland and worldwide”.
The Irish Red Cross has approximately 4,000
voluteers in Ireland who provide humanitarian
services to vulnerable communities around the
country. |
|
