Free delivery of hot meals, milk placed on doorsteps ... the virus has infected us with extra kindness
THE coronavirus pandemic has led to another outbreak of a very different type – heart-warming acts of kindness.
Around the country, neighbours, shops and restaurants are offering meals, collecting and delivering groceries, and, most importantly, collecting vital medical prescriptions.
However, the random acts are of no surprise to Liz Hughes of the Charities Institute Ireland. She believes it is in Irish people’s DNA.
‘People want to help people and be that Good Samaritan. On the basis of the statement from the Taoiseach, we are all in this together and it is affecting every single person.
‘It’s the small things that will make the difference, texting €4 to your favourite charity, checking in on your neighbour or leaving a litre of milk on the doorstep. It’s in our DNA.
‘It’s brilliant to see and that’s the only way we’re going to get through this,’ she said.
One organisation showing its charitable side is Hotel Doolin in Co. Clare, which is owned by Donal Minihane. The hotel is offering to deliver dinner to people’s homes for free. ‘We know there are some of you reluctant to leave the house and go to the supermarket or a restaurant,’ the hotel said in a statement.
‘If so, if you give us a call and we will deliver dinner to your house daily. There will be no charge for the food or delivery.’
The Wyatt Hotel in Westport, Co. Mayo, is offering discount meals to OAPs and people in need to aid the nation’s bid to combat the spread of the coronavirus.
The hotel has set a price of just €6.50 for a main course, a move inspired by an incident in which a staff member’s father was knocked over in a rush at a supermarket.
A spokesman said: ‘One of our workforce told us their dad was knocked down in a supermarket in Dublin as people rushed to buy food. That started us thinking. We saw a picture in the papers of an elderly woman staring at empty shelves in her local shop and that decided it for us.
‘We just feel that given the current circumstances it is up to everybody to do their bit to help others out.
‘The menu will be valid everyday from 12pm-6pm. It will feature hearty main courses like turkey and ham, hotpot and salmon. Each main course will cost €6.50.
‘We will observe social distancing with additional space between tables and no ID is needed.’
A number of Cork communities are also rallying round to help those in need. Offers to collect and deliver groceries are being extended to those in communities who may have difficulty getting out of their homes, or those who don’t want to leave.
Martin Lane from Minding Mitchelstown, and Rose Kelly from the Tar Isteach charity shop in Dunmanway, teamed up with Dunmanway Chamber of Commerce to offer a similar service. Meanwhile, Councillor Sean O’Donovan in Bandon is leading a volunteer effort to reach out to people in the wider Bandon area.
The Townhouse O D’s in Schull said it will deliver food to elderly people in Schull and the Mizen Peninsula. The pub said: ‘We won’t see anyone stuck. We’re opening a takeaway tonight to allow people to still get food but not eat out. Head Chef is writing up some simple recipes that parents can make with their kids at home.’
Elsewhere, Circle K garages are offering free hot drinks to all frontline HSE staff and all emergency services.
Circle K boss Gordon Lawlor said: ‘In this challenging period, it is vital we all come together and support one another. Businesses have a responsibility and crucial role in this regard and Circle K must play its part.
‘We are committed to supporting communities across Ireland during this testing period and hope the small measures we have announced today assist HSE frontline staff and emergency services whom we rely on so heavily in difficult times like these.’
A butcher’s shop in Dublin is offering to prepare meat for its customers without face-to-face contact. The Village Butcher, in Ranelagh, said: ‘Have no idea how things will progress, but did this today for a customer who is immune-suppressed and trying to minimise risk of exposure – email us your order, pay via PayPal and we will prepare for you. You can park outside and we can pop it into the boot of your car.’
One woman made a public offer via Twitter to drop off messages in the Dublin 18 area.
Fiona Frawley said: ‘I live in Dublin 18 and work in the city centre, and I am able to drop off groceries, or any other bits, to anyone in these areas if needed. I promise my hand-washing routine is very good.’
Liz Hughes, of the Charities Institute Ireland, said: ‘Amidst all the misinformation and noise on Covid-19, the one thing we know for sure is that it is the vulnerable who are most at risk.
‘In Irish society some of those closest to the vulnerable are our fantastic charities who support and help people with various
‘We won’t see anyone stuck’
Most generous country in Europe
conditions. From the homeless to cancer sufferers to disability groups Irish charities are at the coalface supporting vulnerable citizens.’
Unfortunately, the result of the current crisis is that many charities have had to cancel or defer major fundraising events. This will have a serious impact on their ability to generate income and provide vital services and activity.
Make-A-Wish Ireland has cancelled a planned street collection and instead is encouraging supporters to engage with its ‘Virtual Wish Day’.
The Irish Cancer Society has had to cancel all Daffodil Day events. No doubt similar decisions will be taken in the coming weeks by other charities to protect the health and safety of employees, service users, volunteers and supporters.
‘We all know that the upcoming months are going to be tough for everyone. At this time Charities Institute Ireland would appeal to the public to consider the impact on charities and to make an online donation to your preferred charity,’ Liz Hughes added.
Ireland is the most generous country in Europe when it comes to charity giving and volunteering, according to recent research.
The Charities Aid Foundation World Giving Index ranks Ireland as not only the most generous in Europe, but the fifth most generous in the world.