Alone volunteers inspire McDonnells to give back this Christmas
Alone has been a lifeline for older and more vulnerable people in communities across Ireland throughout the pandemic
Print15 December 2020
McDonnells will be delivering a thank you gift to every one of Alone’s 1,400 volunteers nationwide to acknowledge the impact of the organisation’s Support & Befriending service.
This year more than ever, Alone has been a lifeline for older and more vulnerable people in communities across Ireland. Throughout 2020, 1,400 trained and Garda-vetted volunteers have offered unwavering friendship and companionship, practical assistance and essential support to those who need it most – in many cases through the window or over the phone.
The backbone of the Alone service during the ongoing pandemic, McDonnells said Alone’s team of volunteers embody the spirit of giving and have inspired the launch of its ‘As Irish As’ campaign.
“For generations, Irish people have been known around the world for our generosity, warmth and spirit,” said Barry Synnott, CEO of Boyne Valley Group. “It’s part of our story. It’s how we’ve grown up. It’s who we are, As Irish As. And it’s never been more important.
“This Christmas will be a different one for everyone, and a difficult one for lots of us. Throughout the year we’ve seen how communities have come together to take care of each other and look after our most vulnerable and isolated. Communities made up of people like Alone’s 1,400 volunteers. They have inspired us to do our bit to help make Christmas a little brighter.
“On behalf of everyone at McDonnells, we want to say thank you – for the work that they do, for being a friend to our most vulnerable, for being the person that brightens someone’s day or offers practical support and advice. We are thrilled to be working with Alone to give back to those volunteers and acknowledging the work that they do this Christmas.”
“Volunteering is an intrinsic part to Alone, a key principle of our vision and is embedded in our history as an organisation,” said Seán Moynihan, CEO of Alone. “Our volunteers have always been heroes in our eyes but working courageously as front-line staff to meet the needs of older people in their communities, who required help, is admirable. Our numbers in volunteers has been growing every year to respond to the needs of older people. Our volunteers have never let us down. Over the course of the last few months their numbers have swelled to meet the surge in demand of those seeking our support. We are grateful to McDonnells for recognising our Alone volunteers through their ‘As Irish As’ initiative. Every day our volunteers have been giving the most precious thing they can – time.”
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