THE Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor John Boyle, is calling on local volunteers to come forward to take part in a special fundraising Flag Day in support of Foyle Search and Rescue.
The event is taking place on St Patrick’s Day, Sunday, March 17, from 1 pm to 4 pm at locations throughout the City Centre, with all proceeds going to the voluntary emergency response service, which is the Mayor’s chosen charity for his year in office.
Mayor Boyle has been working closely with the organisation in recent months to raise awareness of the service the rescue charity provides in conjunction with the emergency services.
Encouraging people to participate, Councillor Boyle said: “Foyle Search and Rescue provide an invaluable service for the local community.
“Their volunteers are out there every day – rain, hail or shine – giving up their time to support and assist others in the most difficult of circumstances.
“This is an opportunity to show the immense backing of the local community by giving up a few hours of your time to raise some much needed funding to help them in their work.
“I hope to see a great turn out on the day and I would encourage anyone out and about enjoying the Spring Carnival celebrations to donate what they can to a very valuable cause.”
Foyle Search and Rescue is a registered, voluntary based charity, led by local people and operating in the Derry area, but also assisting in search and rescue operations across the UK and Ireland wide when required.
The charity relies on the backing of the community they serve to provide the 24 hour emergency response service that has saved numerous lives over the years.
Flag Day volunteers must be over 16 years of age and anyone taking part will be required to give up just two hours of their time from 12pm to 2pm or 2pm to 4pm to collect donations.
Officials from the charity and the Mayor’s office will also be available to sign off any hours volunteered if required for those participating in the Duke of Edinburgh Award, Pope John Paul Award or any other similar award schemes.
Volunteers can register to give their time by contacting Karen Henderson on 02871 376527, [email protected] or Rachel Dobbins at Foyle Search and Rescue on 02871 313 800
