The gift of giving

This week was Philanthropy Ireland's National Giving Week, an initiative inspired by their One Per Cent Difference campaign asking people to donate one per cent of their income or time to a good cause. See philanthropy.ie or onepercentdifference.ie Here are some more ways to give: You can help support youngsters facing a variety of issues as a Childline Volunteer, by listening to them on the phone, or via web and text. The ISPCC, which runs the Childline service, looks for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week for two years. Full training is provided. ispcc.ie. Wicklow Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has two kind souls doing a sponsored 12-hour run in Arklow next Saturday (November 23rd) and needs further volunteers to shake tins on its behalf at the Bridgewater Shopping Centre for a couple of hours over the same weekend. wicklowspca.org

Welcome newly-arrived immigrants and help them learn English through conversation classes with Fáilte Isteach, a community project aimed at older volunteers. All you need are "'personable skills" and a desire to make a positive contribution to society. thirdage.ie

Lend a helping hand at the Irish Horse Welfare Trust, which needs people to volunteer on its farm at Woodenbridge, Co Wicklow. Those interested are asked to commit for a six-month period. Training and induction given. ihwt.ie
Clean up your act, or at least the countryside, by becoming a volunteer trail worker with Mountain Meitheal, a group of volunteers who spend the day repairing, clearing and building new mountain and forest trails for sustainable use by recreation users. Safety training provided. Fresh air and exercise the bonus. mountainmeitheal.ie

For more volunteer vacancies see volunteer.ie
– Sandra O'Connell