A GROUP of transition year students in Donegal have launched a virtual fundraiser ‘Unity in the Community’.
The project, which has been launched by the transition year group at Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town, is aiming to raise money for Age Action Ireland and Friends of the Elderly.
The venture is part of the group’s YSI (Young Social Innovators) project.
“The goal of the project is to combat loneliness and isolation amongst older people,” one of the organisers told Donegal Daily.
Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town.
“This has ultimately worsened due to Covid-19. Inspired by the launch of Captain Tom Moore’s podcast ‘The Originals’, we want to inspire young people to ‘donate their words’ and have meaningful conversations with older people.
“As a result of Covid-19, our world has dramatically changed, social distancing has become our ‘new normal’ and unfortunately, it has had a major impact on the older generation.
“Due to government restrictions, many old people do not get to interact with family and friends. This is leading to isolation and loneliness which is a major issue of concern amongst elderly people.”
The group are making a presentation this week to the YSI Den in the hope of securing funding for equipment to host zoom activities in a local nursing home.
The students have already began writing letters to elderly people as a ‘pen pal’ activity to establish connections.
You can get involved by:
1. Walk/Run 5km in your community
2. Donate €5 to the fundraising page – gf.me/u/zguhuy
3. Nominate 5 more friends to get involved
Share you pictures by tagging @unityinthecommunity2020 and using the hashtag #unityinthecommunityvirtualchallange