Courtney McGrailEvan O’Brien explains how a student charity group supports the elderly in Cork
Evan O’Brien
SHARE (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly) has always been strongly supported by the people of Cork and we are delighted that this year was no different.
The 45th year of the annual Share Christmas Campaign, with almost 20 schools involved, was a great success thanks to the open-heartedness of the local people who donated and all those who contributed to the campaign in the lead up to Christmas.
The Christmas Fast and Fundraising appeal is the only fundraising activity which is carried out by SHARE during the year, and the funds raised help the organisation to maintain its housing units for the elderly located in seven centres around the city.
Services
Almost 200 housing units have been provided and maintained by SHARE over its 45 years and funds raised also help us provide services for the elderly at the Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre at Sheare’s Street, Cork on an on-going basis.
The homes are of a high standard, are warm and homely and have all the necessary aids to ensure our SHARE people can live in safety and comfort. At the day care centre they are provided with a range of practical services, including meals, a laundry service, and a network of support to help them to live comfortable, healthy lives in the heart of the community. There are many people wishing to find a home with SHARE and we try to facilitate them and give them the dignity and security they deserve.
My passion for SHARE grew from seeing the wonderful spirit of the people it helps. From this, I couldn’t wait to get involved.
A group of 55 students made up this year’s SHARE Student Executive who planned and took charge of running the campaign. Over 1,500 fourth and fifth year students participated in the campaign collecting donations at the SHARE Crib in Cork’s Daunt’s Square with their bright yellow sealed collection boxes and yellow jackets.
We really enjoyed the campaign. Even though it was a tough week for all involved in the fasting and fundraising, especially during the cold and wet weather, it is worth doing in order to make a real difference in people’s lives. The friendships and bonds we’ve made with both our older friends and our fellow students, really helped us to keep going.
We live in very difficult times and, sadly, some of the worst affected are the elderly people in Cork. Our theme has been consistent over the last few years – it’s dignity, respect and compassion – it’s what SHARE is all about.
We also want people to know that even though we only fundraise once a year, our efforts are not just at Christmas, SHARE boys and girls and volunteers from several schools visit residents in their homes and at the day care centre throughout the year to play cards, music, bingo, pool, listen to stories or just enjoy a cup of tea and a chat. There we learn to understand the realities of growing old and they show us first-hand the joys and challenges, and we help in any way we can.
There’s a big job to be done every year, between maintaining the secure homes that people live in around the city, looking after their personal needs and keeping the day care centre open and welcoming for them and people who visit on a daily basis.
I know you will agree with me that the challenges that SHARE faces are greater than ever, and so the range of services that we provide for our senior citizens is more needed than ever. On that note, I can assure you of the commitment and enthusiasm of my colleagues. I can honestly say that each and every one of the student volunteers is extraordinary in their own right.
They are focused, enthusiastic, generous, proficient, and passionate, but the real heroes of SHARE are our senior citizens. They teach us so much about life as we visit and interact with them. It is truly an honour to be involved in SHARE, like many of those before us. And I would especially like to thank last year’s executive; for setting the bar so high for us this year.
The support we received out on the streets again this year goes to show, that even in these hard times, the people of Cork are unwavering in their generosity. Also the support of the local public authorities was immense and invaluable.
Evan O’Brien (17) is a 5th year student at Presentation College Cork and Chairman of the SHARE Executive. www.sharecork.org