Cork Samaritans celebrating 40 years with gala ball

Cork Samaritans celebrates its 40-year anniversary this year and one of the centrepieces will be a gala dinner in October.

The Cork Samaritans Gala Ball takes place on Saturday 13 October at the Rochestown Park Hotel.

The Cork branch of the charity, which is the largest provider of emotional support in Ireland, was founded in 1972 and has been operating its support service ever since. The branch currently has almost 200 active volunteers.

Director of the Samaritans Cork branch, Cindy O’Shea says that the event is not a fundraiser. “It will be an opportunity for friends of the branch to celebrate the support that we have given over the past 40 years. Over the last four decades Cork has provided committed volunteers, two of which still continue to be involved.

“All our people are volunteers, there's no paid member of staff. This celebration event is the ideal opportunity for Cork to say thank you,” she said.

The night starts off with an evening drinks reception at 6.30pm, followed by a five course dinner and evening entertainment with the Ian Hendrick Band. Tickets are €50 each and are available by contacting Paul O’Connell by emailing galaball@corksamaritans.ie or ringing 086-3072116. Group tables of 8-10 people are also available.

The Samaritans is a volunteer-led organization which provides confidential and non judgmental and emotional support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people who are experiencing feelings of distress of despair. Support services are available by telephone, email, texts and face to face meetings.