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

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.

Caroline Gibson is the secretary of the Dun Laoghaire RNLI fundraising branch having first got involved two years ago when she returned home from England.

‘My good friend Jenny Needham who I have known since I was 14 and has been involved with Dun Laoghaire RNLI for years in various roles including as crew member and Deputy Launching Authority, was the person who encouraged me to get involved. When I returned home from Brighton in 2021 after 16 years away, I wanted to get involved in something local and found that I was attending my first fundraising meeting within a few months. I remember someone asking at that meeting if there was anyone willing to takes notes. I had a pen in my hand and waved and I have been the secretary ever since!’

Owning a boat herself, Caroline says she and her husband have a deep respect for the work of the RNLI. She finds her involvement with fundraising a rewarding way to contribute.

‘At the end of an event, I get satisfaction from counting the money and seeing what we have been able to raise. I also get the opportunity to work with a genuinely passionate group of people, some of whom are old hats and have great experience in running such well organised and planned events. As a boat owner, I have always had a deep respect for the RNLI and all that the volunteer crew do. I know from Jenny the level of commitment involved on a weekly basis between training and calls outs and I know they do it because they really want to.’

Mary Creedon, RNLI Fundraising Partnership Lead hails the selfless efforts of people like Caroline: ‘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 one of the RNLI’s Dublin branches, 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.