Achill Community Covid Response Team win Volunteer Ireland Award
THE Achill Community Covid Response Team has been awarded a prestigious Volunteer Ireland Award, it was announced today, accompanied by a letter of acknowledgement from President Michael D. Higgins.
The award is a reflection of how the community of Achill has been working together since the beginning of the pandemic last March.
Achill Tourism accepted the award on behalf of everyone involved and extended a sincere thanks to the local GPs, Local Link, Civil Defence and every volunteer, including TY students from Coláiste Pobal Acla, who have helped with this fantastic initiative. Achill Tourism staff and the team of volunteers have been on hand to help people in any way possible; to do shopping, pick up prescriptions, arrange safe travel for hospital visits or anything else to help out those at risk.
Chris McCarthy, manager at Achill Tourism, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the Achill Community Covid Response Team has been recognised by this award.
“This year has been particularly difficult, especially for the more vulnerable in our community and in turn their families living away who were unable to come home. We wanted to create a team that could not only help those within our community but also offer peace of mind to those living away that their vulnerable and elderly family members were being kept safe and looked after.
“I am honoured to have worked with such an amazing group of volunteers and so thankful to Local Link and the Civil Defence for making this all possible.”
In his letter to the group, President Higgins said: “This award is a well deserved testament to your generosity, social conscience and willingness to engage and participate in the crafting of a more inclusive society. Time and time again as the President of Ireland I am moved and impressed by and made grateful for, the commitment, dedication and great compassion of those who volunteer their time, skills and human spirit of solidarity for the benefit of others.”
This is the second award received by the team, who received a Bank of Ireland Begin Together Community Award earlier this year.
You can get in touch with the Achill Community Covid Response Team by phone on (098) 20400 or email Info@achilltourism.com.