Saving the world on a ‘package’ family holiday

Two weeks volunteering abroad is the norm, but the Mac Aonghusas stayed 10 months in Gambia, says Rita de Brun

AUSTERITY has made us appreciate what we have and aware of those who have less. Some people feel empathy from the sofa. Other people gather their children and depart to poor, far-flung destinations.

When Fionnuala MacAonghusa from Spiddal in Co Galway, volunteered for 10 months in Gambia, in Africa, via the VSO, she was accompanied by her husband, Donal, a professional poker-player, and their children, Maggie and Ferdia, who were 15 and 11.