A group of volunteers from local retailer EUROSPAR recently donated their time to help spruce up the gardens at a short break centre for children with cancer.
Sara Quinn from EUROSPAR in Dromara and Sean McCaffrey from EUROSPAR in Clough in County Down were two of the dedicated team of volunteers who really made a difference with their great efforts.
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The team: EUROSPAR Volunteers with front row on the right, Sara Quinn from Dromara and Sean McCaffrey from Clough.[/caption]
The gardens at Cancer Fund for Children’s Pine, Birch & Oak Cottages near Coleraine were in need of a tidy up, and a lick of paint on the fences, creating a tranquil and safe environment for children with cancer to play and get a break away from hospital.
EUROSPAR has been working in partnership with Cancer Fund for Children since May 2011, and has raised a whopping £429,690 to support the work of the charity. However, this time staff were able to donate some much needed volunteer hours, helping the charity to continue providing therapeutic short breaks in privacy and peace on the banks of the River Bann.
Area Manager for EUROSPAR, John Clarke was delighted to be able to support Cancer Fund for Children in this way: “It’s such a privilege to visit Pine, Birch and Oak Cottages and see the fantastic facilities Cancer Fund for Children provide to families affected by cancer. It’s very humbling to be able to give your time to the charity, and I hope volunteering gives our team a better understanding of the work of the charity, and shows our commitment to Cancer Fund for Children.”
Corporate Fundraiser for the charity, Sorcha Chipperfield added: “I am delighted to welcome the team from EUROSPAR to Pine, Birch & Oak cottages. When a child is diagnosed with cancer, the whole family’s life is turned upside down.
“The future is filled with hospital visits, anxious waits for test results, hours of traveling to and from hospital, and time spent apart from each other. A therapeutic short break brings the family back together, giving them precious time and the opportunity to build special memories, relax and recharge their batteries, and get ready for the next round of treatment.
“We are so grateful for everything the team from EUROSPAR have done, from running marathons, coffee mornings and abseils, to leg-waxing and skydives! It’s fantastic to have them here, giving their time to the charity, and I really hope they have enjoyed the experience.”
To find out more about volunteering or fundraising for Cancer Fund for Children, please call 028 9080 5599 or email info@cancerfundforchildren.com
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