RNLI calls on new volunteers to join its fundraising crew in Clare

Just like the charity’s lifeboats, the RNLI’s fundraising team need a dedicated volunteer crew. Volunteers are at the heart of the RNLI and make up 95% of its people. They are ordinary people who do extraordinary things and without them, the organisation couldn’t continue to save lives at sea.

But it’s not all about volunteering on lifeboats or at a station, there are many other ways people can give a little or a lot of their time to support the RNLI and make their own lifesaving difference.

Therese Young is the chair of the Kilrush Fundraising Branch and has been volunteering for over 30 years. She received a Gold Badge from the RNLI for her dedicated and longstanding commitment in 2015.

‘Before the RNLI station was built in Cappa, I used to help out with annual church gate collections for the lifeboats and from this work I got interested in the work of the RNLI. When the station was built, I volunteered and became involved in fundraising and have never looked back. I live beside the sea and am involved in sailing and swimming. I also have family ties to the RNLI. My brother-in-law was the Lifeboat Operations Manager and a tractor driver and is now a Deputy Launching Authority for the station while his son is on the crew. Two of my nephews and a niece were also on the crew previously and my sister also sits on the fundraising committee.’

Therese enjoys volunteering and is encouraging others to come forward: ‘I love the camaraderie and the friendships you make as well as the buzz of being involved. I enjoy the events and station meetings and like seeing people working together for such a worthy cause. You also know the funds raised from the work we do is going towards ensuring the lifeboat crew are fully kitted out to do what they need to do at sea and you find that the people they rescue in turn help us to fundraise through doing or supporting an event. It is a fabulous organisation to volunteer for and I would encourage others to come along. You will meet so many people and gain experience in a variety of roles.’

Mary Creedon, RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead hails the selfless efforts of people like Therese: ‘Without our volunteers, the RNLI simply would not be able to operate the way it does today. With 92% of the RNLI’s income coming from donations, the charity relies on the generosity of supporters and on the dedication of our fundraising volunteers to help raise essential funds. Thousands of community fundraising volunteers organise a wide range of activities and events each year, contributing their time, energy and skills to raise money to save lives at sea. Some of our fundraisers have been volunteering for many years while some just join us for a few months in the year depending on what their commitments allow.

‘We now really need to bolster that support and grow our volunteer fundraising crew. If you like to have fun, enjoy meeting new people and want to join a motivated and enthusiastic team, we encourage you to find out more and apply. You will learn new skills, gain experience and have the rewarding satisfaction of giving back. The RNLI will also provide all the necessary training and support so you can carry out your chosen role effectively.’

To find out more about how you can sign up to be a fundraising volunteer at the RNLI in Lahinch, Kilrush or Ennis, or to apply, click on this link rnli.org/OneCrewVolunteers

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Key facts about the RNLI

The RNLI charity saves lives at sea. Its volunteers provide a 24-hour search and rescue service around the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland coasts. The RNLI operates 238 lifeboat stations in the UK and Ireland and more than 240 lifeguard units on beaches around the UK and Channel Islands. The RNLI is independent of Coastguard and government and depends on voluntary donations and legacies to maintain its rescue service. Since the RNLI was founded in 1824, its lifeboat crews and lifeguards have saved over 142,700 lives.

Learn more about the RNLI

For more information please visit the RNLI website or Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. News releases, videos and photos are available on the News Centre.

Contacting the RNLI - public enquiries

Members of the public may contact the RNLI on 0300 300 9990 (UK) or 1800 991802 (Ireland) or by email.