Volunteers from across Limerick are coming out in force this week to raise funds for their local Foróige clubs and projects.
The hard working volunteers are hosting a national bag pack for charity to raise the much needed funds.
Foróige volunteers will be on hand helping shoppers pack their groceries in Tesco stores across Limerick City and county on 13th and 14th of September.
Seán Campbell, Foróige CEO said: “This weekend, we see volunteerism at its very best. We have people across the length and breadth of the country volunteering in their local Tesco stores to raise funds for their Foróige clubs and projects – all money raised during the bag pack will be invested back into the local community.
“In recent years, Foróige has seen a cut of 30% to our funding while the demand for our services has increased by almost a quarter. We need the local community to continue to demonstrate their support and continued belief in their local young people,” said Mr Campbell.
Foróige is the leading and largest youth organisation in Ireland. The charity works with 56,000 young people and 5,500 volunteers each year, through a network of more than 600 youth clubs & cafés, 150 targeted projects and national programmes.
Mr Campbell paid tribute to the thousands of volunteers who are a vital part of the Foróige team that delivers youth services around the country.
“The volunteers you will see packing bags at your local Tesco store this weekend are just a handful of the almost 5,500 amazing people who give their time, talents and dedication to volunteering with Foróige to help improve the lives of young people. They are building a better Ireland, one community at a time and we would like to take this opportunity to say a big thank you,” he said.
The national bag pack takes place as hundreds of Foróige clubs and projects around the country resume activities after a short summer break.
The organisation supports young people aged between 10 and 18 to make friends and have fun in a safe environment. Independent studies show that being involved with Foróige improves young peoples’ confidence, self-belief and resilience.
The young people involved learn how to relate well with adults and contribute to the community as they develop their own positive values, views and beliefs.
Founded in 1952, Foróige offers a wide range of youth work services. The charity is engaged in three major flagship programmes – Citizenship, Entrepreneurship and Leadership. Foróige also operates Garda Youth Diversion Programmes and Drug Education & Prevention Projects.
There are also programmes associated with teen sexual health and well-being, teen parenting support and early school leavers.
The participating Tesco Stores are Arthur’s Quay, Dooradoyle and Roxboro in the city and Coonagh, Newcastle West and Abbeyfeale in the county.
