This is a subscriber-only article
As the coronavirus shutdown continues, the impact on older and more vulnerable people in society is growing.
Galway farmer and local councillor Peter Keaveney has taken matters into his own hands and has organised a group of volunteers to help support those in his community who are housebound during the outbreak of COVID-19.
"We have organised a community support group with local volunteers with the help of the local parish priest,” the Glenamaddy man told the Irish Farmers Journal.
“It is basically a collection and delivery service of supplies from local shops.
“We have been liaising with the local shops so the person at home can ring in their order, the local shop will put it together and the volunteer will collect the supplies and drop them off to their house," explained Peter, all while adhering to the social distancing guidelines.
Getting the message out there
The community group has been using a number of initiatives to get its message out there, including the local church radio, social media and the distribution of leaflets.
"We are also preparing leaflets to distribute to get the message out and An Post have agreed to distribute them with the local post, free of charge due to the circumstances. We are using any outlet we can think of.”
We have quite a number of farmers giving up their free time also to help out
With 12 volunteers on the first day, the group has been getting constant messages from people who want to offer up their time for the cause.
"We have quite a number of farmers giving up their free time also to help out. We are in a rural area here in Glenamaddy," Keaveny said.
He is keen to get the message out to other communities as he hopes it will encourage them to do something similar.
“It’s the small gestures like this that keep vulnerable people on their own in contact with the outside world. It is a frightening time for people,” he pointed out.
If you would like to avail of this service, you can call or message 087-280 5241.
SHARING OPTIONS: