‘Make A Wish’ need Louth volunteers

CHARITY APPEAL TO LOUTH VOLUNTEERS FOR FUNDRAISING EVENT

EIGHTY local volunteers are needed across County Louth on ‘Wish Day’, which takes place on Friday 9th March to support MakeA-Wish Ireland’s flagship fundraising day.

Volunteers are asked to give just a few hours of their time to sell wristbands in their local supermarket or shopping centre in order to raise much-needed funds for the charity.

Last year, in Louth alone, the charity made wishes come true for seven local children living with life-threatening illnesses such as cancer, cystic fibrosis and Duchenne muscular dystrophy.

Making wishes come true can have a hugely positive impact on a child and their families, giving strength, hope and joy. Research shows children who have wishes granted are more likely to build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight a serious illness.

This improves their quality of life and produces better health outcomes.* Make- A-Wish does not receive any government funding and is solely dependent on the generosity of the general public to continue granting wishes to children with life-threatening illnesses in Ireland.

Ruby Casey Mulligan (8) from Dundalk is living with a rare autoinflammatory disease and had her wish granted last year when she travelled to Dinseyland Paris to celebrate her birthday!

Ruby’s Mum Lauren said, ‘ We can’t put into words how grateful we are to have had this opportunity. Ruby really had the most amazing time and it was incredible to be able to forget all about hospital appointments and tests for those few days and just have the time of our lives. We will treasure the memories forever.’

According to Make-A-Wish Ireland, children’s wishes can range from being a princess for the day or meeting their hero, to going on a once-in-a-lifetime family holiday.

Wherever possible, the child’s family is invited to share in the wish experience, creating lasting memories for all the family, the wider local community and all of those involved in granting the wish.

Make-A-Wish Ireland CEO, Susan O’Dwyer said, ‘Children with life-threatening illnesses need your help today. Your precious gift of time this Wish Day will enable us to make wishes come true for seriously ill children when they most need strength, hope and joy.

She added: ‘A few hours from the people of Louth on Friday 9th March to help raise valuable funds will make wishes come true for more children in your community.’

Wish Day will take place across Ireland on Friday 9th March when Make-A-Wish volunteers will be selling wristbands and transfers, costing €2 each, at locations in Drogheda and Dundalk.

To sign up to volunteer for the event visit www.makeawish.ie/wishday or contact Daragh on (01) 2052011 or email daragh@ makeawish.ie