LISTOWEL native Áine Murphy recently started volunteering with the help of the Kerry Volunteer Centre. Her experience is proof of just how life-enhancing volunteering can be, even if you only have an hour to spare.
Áine, called to the Volunteer Centre with her support worker from St John of Gods hoping to find an opportunity that she could fit into her busy schedule. The Listowel woman has now slotted happily into just the right volunteering opportunity for her, giving an hour a week at the Sera Husky Charity Shop in Tralee, and is loving every minute of it.
When Áine came to the Kerry Volunteer Centre she was looking for an opportunity that would get her out and about in her community and would give her a chance to meet new people, make friends and most importantly for her to help.
Áine volunteers every Friday morning from 10am to 11am, joining a team of workers who voluntarily run the shop every week. The hour has made all the difference to her and to the charity she helps.
During her time in the shop she helps out sorting stock, tidying hangers and meeting and greeting all the people who come and go during her time there. Áine is happy to help wherever she can but what she loves most is “helping people”, it’s a bonus that the charity is one close to her heart as she loves animals.
Sera Husky is small Kerry charity was set up in 2014 to help huskies and similar breeds and their owners. Over the last two years they have offered services that range from support and advice to rescue and rehoming.
The charity is 100 per cent voluntarily run and is funded mainly through the Tralee shop, based on Rock Street, where Áine volunteers her time on Friday mornings. Like a lot of small Kerry charities Sera Husky are always on the look out for new volunteers, and of course donations of stock to keep Áine and her fellow workers busy.
Áine is an example of just a what a difference an hour a week can make to your live and the lives of those around you. Do you have an hour that you are willing to spare? Looking for inspiration? Then check out the huge variety of opportunities on the Kerry Volunteer Centre website, www.volunteerkerry.ie
