Volunteers move to centre stage

THE Irish Countrywomen’s Association has partnered with Kilkenny Shops to raise awareness for the National Day of Volunteering which takes place at the end of September, as well as to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation.

ICA members nationwide — either individually or in small groups — are already hard at work, having volunteered their time to knit sets of hats, mittens and scarves to be sold in Kilkenny shops and on their online site. They will also knit in Kilkenny shops on September 30 to raise awareness on the National Day of Volunteering. The sets of purple, red and white winter wear will be sold in Kilkenny shops from September 30 until Christmas.

The Irish Countrywomen’s Association is one of the largest volunteer organisations in the country and the organisation is delighted to be involved in the knitting project, not just during the European Year of Volunteering but also during Irish Year of the Craft — ICA’s dedication to crafts has grown in strength over the last 100 years.

ICA members will join Transition Year students, as well as the public in local libraries, to help spread their skills in knitting craft.

Being the largest women’s organisation in Ireland, the ICA is also happy to draw public attention to the increasing problem of heart disease, especially in women.

Heart disease is responsible for 60% of deaths of Irish women. Kilkenny Shops has generously donated space in their stores and online shop to help raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation. All proceeds from sales of sets of hats, mittens and scarves go directly to the Irish Heart Foundation.

ICA national president Anne Maria Dennison describes ICA women as “some of the strongest, most diligent and most talented volunteers” in the country. “We’re excited to be showcasing the best of ICA skills, directly aiding a fantastic cause, and highlighting the ICA’s volunteering spirit.”

ICA chief executive John O’Callaghan says women’s health is one of the top priorities for ICA members. “This partnership is a natural fit for the ICA. We’re looking forward to seeing people all over Ireland wearing hats, scarves and mittens knit by the ICA to support the Irish Heart Foundation.”

If you are not an ICA member but would like to join them in knitting scarves, hats and mittens for the Irish Heart Foundation and the National Day of Volunteering, the organisation would welcome your involvement.

*For more info: visit www.ica.ie, email [e-mail] or call 01 668 0002. The website has knitting patterns, advice on which wool to use and other helpful hints.