The RNLI is looking for new fundraising volunteers to join its lifesaving crews in Galway City, Clifden/Connemara and Aran Islands.
Volunteers, who are at the heart of the RNLI, make up 95 per cent of its people, and without them, the organisation would not be able to continue saving lives at sea.
However, the fundraising volunteers do not have to go to sea or man a station, and there are many other ways people can give a little, or a lot of their time, to support the RNLI.
Mary McDonagh, who is the souvenir secretary on the Clifden/Connemara RNLI Fundraising Branch, volunteers her time for a range of fundraising events throughout the year.
She became involved four years ago having lost two brothers at sea.
"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," she says.
Mary finds reward in knowing the work she does 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 ensuirng they have the right kit and equipment to carry out their work at sea."
Encouraging others to get involved, Mary asks for more volunteers to join. "You will feel fulfilled knowing you are doing something useful to help the lifeboat crew. And, if like myself you have lost someone, you know you are remembering your loved ones in giving back."
Donations vital
RNLI Fundraising partnership lead Mary Creedon, says without the volunteers, the RNLI simply would not be able to operate the way it does today.
With 92 per cent of the RNLI’s income coming from donations, the charity relies on the generosity of supporters and on the dedication of our fundraising volunteers to help raise essential funds, she says.
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.
‘We now really need to bolster that support and grow our volunteer fundraising crew," she says. "If you like to have fun, enjoy meeting new people and want to join a motivated and enthusiastic team, we encourage to find out more and apply."
Creedon says volunteers will learn new skills, gain experience and have the rewarding satisfaction of giving back. The RNLI will also provides all the necessary training and support to carry out their chosen role effectively.
For more information sign up to be a fundraising volunteer at the RNLI in Galway City, Clifden/Connemara or Aran Islands, or click on this link rnli.org/OneCrewVolunteers
