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Centre seeks Inishowen volunteers '08 19.05.08

INISHOWEN people who would like to give some free time to volunteering have been invited to get in touch with the Donegal Volunteer Centre (DVC).
The Centre celebrated the official opening of new premises last week in Letterkenny and wants to reach out to volunteers countywide.
Centre manager Colleen Boyle said the new offices are ideal for offering their free confidential service while matching volunteers up with community and voluntary groups across Donegal.
“If you have a bit of time to help out and want to share your skills, then we put you in touch with the right group,” said Colleen. “If you are from Inishowen, and want to volunteer in the peninsula, we can facilitate that too.”
Volunteer Theresa Gallagher, who lives in Letterkenny contacted the DVC after completing her degree in Business and Accounting because she had time to spare and skills to offer. She also wanted to gain some experience after college.
“I was able to help community organisations with the research and background information they needed for future development plans and for funding applications,” said Theresa. “I enjoyed it and it was great to prove to myself that I could do it.” She's now an IT tutor and says the confidence she gained from volunteering helped her gain employment, though she still donates free time to local groups.
DVC placement officer Sandra McGeever explained that the centre worked around the hours a volunteer has to spare and takes account of the limits on travel, as well as focussing on their special skills and interests. She then finds them a placement with a suitable group or volunteering activity, which makes the most of what they have to offer.
Sandra said she was "constantly amazed" by the level and variety of skills volunteers have to offer and would urge anyone interested in volunteering to contact her. If you would like to volunteer, or to register vacancies for volunteers, call Sandra on 074 9126740. The DVC is part of the National Network of Volunteer Centres in Ireland and is funded by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs.
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