Opinion: Shout out to the volunteers who help make a better society

Shout out to the volunteers who help make a better society

From keeping our sports clubs going to picking up litter from the roadside, from sitting on boards of charities to lending a helping hand at one-off events, volunteers are an integral part of the fabric of every community.

And it’s not simply the fact that such activities couldn’t go ahead without them, nor that it would only be the people who participate who would be affected if they stopped. The volunteers who turn up week after week, or give of their time on committees or in any other capacity are all contributing to a better quality of life for everyone. 

Imagine, for example, a society where there were no activities whatsoever for our young people - no GAA, soccer, basketball, no Foróige, nothing to provide a sense of purpose and belonging, nothing to help them find their strengths, explore new things, form healthy bonds or benefit from good role models.

While it would of course be unfair to say that all young people would go rogue in such circumstances, there would without doubt be significant issues with anti-social behaviour. The knock on effects would be felt across communities, leading to increased crime and to vulnerable people becoming more isolated because of fear.

Another area where volunteers are massively improving society is through charities. Most communities have a local St Vincent de Paul conference which helps people who are struggling financially, be it on an ongoing basis or in the case of a financial emergency. 

From fundraising to running charity shops to manning phones and operating food collection and distribution, the SVP volunteers do their utmost to ensure that people can meet the most basic needs of food and warmth, and can get a financial helping hand in other areas of their lives too.

At local and national level, we see many advocacy charities which support people with specific physical and mental illnesses, disabilities, challenges such as addiction, bereavement, separation, homelessness, discrimination because of gender or sexuality, and more.

The volunteers who  make up all or part of the human resources of these charities and support groups ensure that people have a voice, a better quality of life, and opportunities in areas such as education, travel, social events, etc that many of us take for granted.

These volunteers range from people who bring specific administration skills and who sit on boards of trustees to those who help out with activities, provide a listening ear or who advocate for the rights of the people they support. They could be part of a national organisation or work in a local or niche charity. They might be involved in animal welfare or wildlife conservation. What they have in common is that  they are making a big difference to the lives of those they support.

A leading light here in Donegal is the Bluestack Special Needs Foundation, a charity which has had a transformative effect on the lives of people with additional needs, and indeed, on how those people are perceived by wider society. 

Around 400 individuals and their families are supported in accessing essential services, enjoying tailored activities, learning new skills and following a fulfilling career pathway. 

Anyone who is not familiar with the organisation only has to visit the Bluestack Shack opposite the AVS in Donegal Town for coffee or lunch to see how much people with additional needs can achieve when given the opportunity to thrive. 

Even in publicly funded organisations, volunteers are having a major positive impact.

The Friends of Letterkenny Hospital is an example of how a group of volunteers can support a state-funded body for the overall good. The charity, which is entirely volunteer-run, has raised more than €7 million in the last 30 years, contributing to developments at the hospital and purchasing vital equipment. 

We have plenty of reasons to complain about the shortcomings in our health service. It would be significantly poorer without the work of this group of volunteers. 

Another wonderful example of volunteerism in Donegal is Relay For Life. With the main event taking place on the ATU campus in Letterkenny on June 3 and 4, loads of people are already organising fundraising activities all over the county. 

Relay For Life Donegal is a major fundraiser for cancer services in the county but it is so much more than that. 

The events coordinated by a voluntary committee ensure that cancer survivors are supported and can find new ways to improve their lives, that those who have been lost to cancer are remembered, and that those who care for cancer patients are celebrated. 

At times of emergency or crisis, or when something is badly needed in a community, there are always people who step forward to be part of the solution. 

The way in which volunteers provided dinners for those who were cocooning during the Covid-19 pandemic is perhaps one of the finest examples of community spirit and solidarity that this country has witnessed.

In our day to day lives, we see people organising fundraising events to support clubs, individuals who may need to travel abroad for lifesaving medical treatment, conservation projects, church roof repairs, development of community centres, the list is endless. This type of fundraising activity is so commonplace that we can take for granted the people who are the driving force behind it.

Becoming a volunteer is a great way to get involved in your community, to engage with society, to be part of a positive legacy, to give something back. 

And whether we realise it or not, each of us benefits every single day from the work being done - often quietly and behind the scenes - by the thousands of volunteers here in Donegal alone.

To each and every one of you giving your time and energy in any way, thank you for making our county a better place for all who live here.