INISHOWEN people who
would like to give some free time to volunteering
have been invited to get in touch with the Donegal
Volunteer Centre (DVC).
The Centre celebrated the official opening of new
premises last week in Letterkenny and wants to reach
out to volunteers countywide.
Centre manager Colleen Boyle said the new offices
are ideal for offering their free confidential
service while matching volunteers up with community
and voluntary groups across Donegal.
“If you have a bit of time to help out and want to
share your skills, then we put you in touch with the
right group,” said Colleen. “If you are from
Inishowen, and want to volunteer in the peninsula,
we can facilitate that too.”
Volunteer Theresa Gallagher, who lives in
Letterkenny contacted the DVC after completing her
degree in Business and Accounting because she had
time to spare and skills to offer. She also wanted
to gain some experience after college.
“I was able to help community organisations with the
research and background information they needed for
future development plans and for funding
applications,” said Theresa. “I enjoyed it and it
was great to prove to myself that I could do it.”
She's now an IT tutor and says the confidence she
gained from volunteering helped her gain employment,
though she still donates free time to local groups.
DVC placement officer Sandra McGeever explained that
the centre worked around the hours a volunteer has
to spare and takes account of the limits on travel,
as well as focussing on their special skills and
interests. She then finds them a placement with a
suitable group or volunteering activity, which makes
the most of what they have to offer.
Sandra said she was "constantly amazed" by the level
and variety of skills volunteers have to offer and
would urge anyone interested in volunteering to
contact her. If you would like to volunteer, or to
register vacancies for volunteers, call Sandra on
074 9126740. The DVC is part of the National Network
of Volunteer Centres in Ireland and is funded by the
Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht
Affairs. |
