FIVE hundred miles might have been good enough for Scottish twins The Proclaimers, but the members of Eoghan Rua, Coleraine have gone that bit further to show their support for The Samaritans charity in recent times.
The Covid-19 pandemic has had a major impact on a host of charities who rely on financial help from the community to carry out their invaluable work, with The Samaritans offering support for those who are vulnerable and in need of assistance - answering a call for help every six seconds on average.
On the weekend beginning May 8, Eoghan Rua asked its club members and friends to take part in a 3,000km challenge – with the aim to walk, run or cycle that distance, raising at least £3,000 for The Samaritans.
Participants were asked to forward their donation through a Just Giving fundraising page and, as it stands, 319 people have donated a total of £5,890 – closing in on double the original target.
“Over that weekend members and friends were asked to record their walk or run using an app and screenshot their activity for the club’s social media pages. Some members took to their wheels and cycled,” said club chairman Gerry McAleese.
“I’m very proud of the club’s response and the amount raised, and I would like to congratulate the fundraising team for all their work. Special thanks go to all those who participated, from underage players to grandparents, including 93-year-old Christina Passmore, who did a walk to support the event.”
And McAleese hopes initiatives such as this can help to highlight the role of The Samaritans in the community.
“Every £5 raised has the power to answer a potentially lifesaving call,” he added.
“Starting a conversation and showing you care can be the first step to helping someone feel less isolated. During this period of uncertainty if you think someone is alone or needs help, trust your instincts and strike up a conversation.
“Perhaps we cannot see each other but it does not mean we cannot communicate. You can still show compassion and empathy through messaging apps, virtual communications, phone calls, texts or perhaps a chat from one garden to the next.
“The coronavirus has also highlighted the role of the GAA in local communities, as many clubs throughout Ireland have supported the governments in making their premises available or members going out into the local community delivering supplies, food or medicine as well as being on the end of a phone for those who need assistance.
“Eoghan Rua has been privileged to continue its community work and is proud to have assisted such a fantastic organisation as The Samaritans.”
To donate, visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/eoghanrua
