Volunteers knit the community together

THE rain did nothing to dampen the spirits of the volunteers who turned out early on Friday morning determined to bring some colour to the streets of Ennis, while celebrating National Day of Volunteering.
As part of the Knitting our Community Together project, volunteers and supporters from Cahercalla, Carrigoran, ClareCare, Clare Haven Services, Caring for Carers, Clare Youth Service, Clarecastle Day Care Centre, Clare Crusaders, Cystic Fibrosis Clare branch, Kilmaley Day Centre and Stella Maris Day Centre headed for their chosen sculpture in the town armed with knitted items that had been lovingly knitted over the last three weeks.
Volunteer centre coordinator, Sharon Meaney, was delighted with the enthusiasm and energy shown by the volunteers.
“We were worried about the weather, especially after working with the groups over the last few weeks and knowing how much work had gone into the creation of the items. I am completely overwhelmed with the colour and vibrancy of the knitted pieces and want to acknowledge everyone who was involved with the project, including the Rowan Tree Restaurant and Food Heaven, who welcomed the volunteers who dressed the sculptures, on Friday morning.”
Images of the day were taken by volunteer photographer, Helen McQuillan. “I wanted to get involved with Clare Volunteer Centre’s Knitting our Community Together initiative for several reasons. I had pledged five hours of volunteering with Clare Volunteer Centre for a friend’s 50th birthday present and wanted to contribute to a creative project. Doing the photography for a day of celebration of Clare volunteers was a real privilege. We tend to forget how central volunteers are to making our communities vibrant, energetic and closely-knit. I haven’t enjoyed a day as much in a long time – despite the rain. I hope I have captured some of the creative energy and good humour of all the groups involved.”
“The Knitting our Community Together project has really captured the imagination of the groups and volunteers that are involved,” said a delighted Ms Meaney. “This has been truly a collaborative project, with support from the 11 organisations, volunteers, the Ennis Sculpture Trail Initiative, local businesses, Clare County Council and Ennis Urban Council. If you didn’t get a chance to see the decorated sculptures, don’t worry, a calendar will be produced, giving everyone the chance to see how the volunteers in Clare really do make a difference.”
Meanwhile, the pupils of Barefield National School embraced the idea of the National Day of Volunteering. A group of talented young musicians visited St Joseph’s Hospital, where they entertained the residents, wearing their National Day of Volunteering t-shirts. Back at school, pupils from third and fourth class made a real difference by cleaning the community centre.
Principal John Burns encouraged all the children to take part in the day by sending home a list of random acts of volunteering, an act that is done to benefit others that doesn’t have to cost any money.
Talking about the day, Mr Burns said, “This is a wonderful opportunity to nourish the spirit of volunteering among family and community. We were delighted to participate in a project to foster the wonderful spirit of volunteerism among our pupils.”
Volunteers across the country gave their time and effort to celebrate National Day of Volunteering. The celebration started on Thursday evening, with a table quiz organised by ClareCare. On Friday, Clare Haven Services was taken over by an energetic team of volunteers, who completed the refuge and playground makeover.
Linda Creaven, the volunteer coordinator was overwhelmed by how much was accomplished in the space of a few hours. A team of volunteers from DHL took on the challenge of painting, while another team of volunteers took on the sorting of donations, baking and playground makeover.
The Irish Cancer Shop and Carrigoran House treated their volunteers to a coffee morning and a special volunteer lunch. There was even a special National Day of Volunteering cake, which was created by the head chef of Carrigoran to pay tribute to their vibrant team of volunteers.
The Ennis Access Programme held a bake sale, with all proceeds being donated to Clare Haven Services.
In Shannon and Ennis libraries, knitters were on hand to pass on their skills, as well as participate in the national Knit-a-thon. Between 1pm and 4pm, volunteers from a local knitting group and the Shannon Apostolic Society welcomed members of the general public to learn the joys of knitting.
In Kilrush, Minister for Children, Frances Fitzgerald launched the West Clare Family Resource Centre volunteer handbook, as part of their celebration of the contribution that volunteers continue to bring to the centre.
An outside broadcast by Raidio Corca Baiscinn ensured the theme of Volunteer Recognition and Acknowledgement was carried to the wider community of West Clare.
The Clare Brothers of Charity Services also launched a volunteer handbook as part of their volunteer recognition. Mary Kealy, CEO, spoke about the impact that volunteers have on the day-to-day running of the Brothers of Charity Services and recognised the volunteers that had been with the service for longer than five years.
Ms Meaney was delighted with the day’s success. “This is our third year of being involved in National Day of Volunteering. The volunteers in Clare really showed how easy it can be to make a difference.”