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 Clare
“The Irish Red Cross are involved in the provisions of community services assisting the people of Clare and in assisting the HSE where required. We are offering assistance to vulnerable people in Clare in conjunction with the Clare Community Forum, these supports include the delivery of groceries, collection of prescriptions etc. Our community support mini-bus is still carrying out urgent medical appointments
“Due to public health restrictions we are unable to carry-out our normal fundraising activities and our provision of first aid services at public events has all but stopped, this means that at a time we have some of our highest expense to aid our community we have our lowest income of funds. We need your support at this time to keep our community and medical services on the road.”
The community support vehicle was purchased by the Red Cross in Clare following an extensive fundraising campaign. It travels all over the county taking people to medical appointments free of charge at hospitals in Dublin, Galway, Cork, Limerick, Nenagh and Ennis. In 2019 it completed 159 medical runs, clocking up 100,000km with the service operating free of charge.
As well as donating to gofundme.com/f/irish-red-cross-clare-area-community-services donations can also be made to counter top boxes which are in most shops in Clare or send cheques / postal order payments to  Unit 11 Tracklands Business Park, Tobartaoscain, Ennis V95X258.