Tag Archives: Red Cross

THE people of Cloughleigh have come together to raise an impressive €3,000 for the Irish Red Cross’ work in Ukraine through the hosting of a number of events. A fundraising tea party, raffle and contribution from the local benevolent fund all played their part in raising the money which was recently presented to Aiden Lonergan of the Irish Red Cross. Flan Brennan, chairman of the Cloughleigh Residents Association explains that when news began to emerge of the war in Ukraine and they saw what was happening they were driven to try and help in some way. “At the beginning of this we were starting to hear on the news about the troubles in Ukraine and we felt we had to do something as a community. We wanted to give them a bit of support so we thought a fundraiser for the Irish Red Cross, who are doing great work, would be a good idea.” The fundraisers involved a number of …

OVER 150 Ukrainian refugees had arrived at Shannon by last Monday, having had to flee their homes and leave their old lives behind. Aiden Lonergan is National Director of Community Support for the Irish Red Cross, and is also a Garda Sergeant, based in Ennis. Speaking about the work of the Red Cross with the refugees here he said, “Our response in Clare is primarily focused around Shannon Airport. People are arriving in there and as they arrive Red Cross members are providing them with basic support. “They land in Shannon, there are three to five Red Cross members there for when the flights arrive and we try to give them basic supports in terms of tea, coffee, fruit, basic food items, personal hygiene items, children can get bubbles, colouring pencils, cuddly toys, that kind of thing.” How are the people when they arrive here? “I suppose like many people after a very long and difficult journey, some of them …

UKRAINE will be to the forefront of a musical fundraiser in Tulla on Saturday (March 26), when a wealth of East Clare talent with gather in solidarity.  Moved by the plight of those who have been forced to flee their homes, a group of local musicians and singers will perform in the the square in Tulla, throughout the day, to raise funds for the refugees from the Ukraine.  Among those performing will be Aisling and Leah Hunt, Andrew Mac Namara and Michael Landers, John Canny and Mark Donnellan, Mary Mac Namara and Risteard Crimmins, Cushla,  Àine and Cara Murphy. They will be joined by a group of local singers under the baton of Joan Culloo Mac Namara. The fundraiser will run from 10am to 5 pm. All money raised will be sent to the Irish Red Cross Ukraine Crisis Appeal.

THE Irish Red Cross in Clare have made an appeal to the public to support an online fundraiser as Covid-19 restrictions have put a stop to their usual collections. During the crisis the local organisation’s community support transports have continued to run for essential medical trips only, along with their HSE assists, however funds have dropped significantly. According to James Lafferty, treasurer of Irish Red Cross Clare, “Our volunteers are working harder than ever to make sure you all stay safe during Covid-19”. He is appealing to the public to continue to support them in maintaining the transport service for people in need by donating to their go fundme page. “During these tough times our collections which help keep our fleet on the road have stopped and we are continuing to help the community. Please help us by making a small donation to keep the vehicles running. We need your support so we can continue supporting the people of County …

ONE year since its launch, the Clare Red Cross’ multi-purpose community support vehicle is busy bringing people to hospitals all over Ireland. The vehicle, which is based at the Clare Red Cross branch, Tracklands Business Park in Ennis, was bought following a major fundraising campaign. However, raising the cost of purchasing the vehicle is not the end for the Clare Red Cross, who are now appealing for support to allow the service to continue for free to the people of Clare. Treasurer James Lafferty explained, “This multi-purpose community support vehicle was purchased with the support from local businesses, shops, schools and the general public throughout County Clare from 2012 to 2016. Some funding was also received from the National Lottery. “The vehicle has been supporting the people of County Clare, travelling to medical appointments in all major hospitals in Ireland. This work is carried out, free of charge, for all our clients in Clare. “The vehicle is crewed by Irish …

This year, Red Cross First Aid day, will focus on how knowledge of first aid is so important in rural areas.The Irish Red Cross has developed a Farm First Aid course which will be launched by the Minister of Agriculture Minister Creed at the National Ploughing Championships on Wednesday. Over the past yea,r there have been an increasing number of accidents that have resulted in farming injuries and deaths, this coupled with the understandable ambulance response times in rural areas, leaves members of the public in rural areas vulnerable. According to the Health and Safety Authority Annual report for 2016, 44 people were killed in workplaces in 2016, a 21% reduction of the 56 reported in 2015. However the number of deaths on farms, increased with 21 reported in 2016 compared to 18 in 2015. Lisa Harrington, first aid training manager with the Irish Red Cross, said, “When you are able to treat an injury quickly, the severity can be …

IN the week of the first anniversary of his wife’s tragic death, Bernard Lucas has said he definitely senses her presence when he is on a call-out with Doolin Coast Guard. On September 12, 2016, Caitríona Lucas died, while on board a Kilkee Coast Guard rigid inflatable boat, during a search for Lissycasey man David McMahon (RIP). At 4.30pm this Saturday, a plaque, in memory of Caitríona, who lived with her husband and children in Liscannor and was originally from Ballyvaughan, will be unveiled at the Doolin Coast Guard Centre. The public is invited to attend the ceremony. “It would be great if people come along and see what we do,” Bernard Lucas told The Clare Champion this week. “People might not have seen the new rescue centre since it opened and this could be the opportunity to do that. They can see what we do and the gear that we have,” he added. Since Caitríona’s untimely death, Bernard has …

The Irish Red Cross has launched a public appeal for funds to help victims of the storms that have swept across the country in recent weeks. “Since Storm Desmond struck near the start of the month, Irish Red Cross volunteers have been on the ground helping out people in their communities. “We’ve carried out evacuations, provided flood barriers, water pumps, fuel, food, drinking water, small cash payments and other forms of humanitarian relief such as making deliveries and helping clean up storm damage. “Our ambulances and 4x4s have been called into auxiliary service supporting the HSE, local authorities and gardaí, and remain on stand-by in many parts of the country,“ Irish Red Cross secretary general, Liam O’Dwyer said. As the severe weather continues and more communities are affected, the Irish Red Cross has made a public appeal for financial support to help this work continue. Donations can be made at www.redcross.ie or on 1850 50 70 70 or 01 64 …