Digging deep for a worthy cause
A Cork teacher has found a way to give back to local businesses whilst also supporting cancer patients.
Sarah Kelly, whose family have first-hand experience of cancer, wanted to do something for vulnerable cancer patients who have been particularly affected by Covid-19 in 2020.
Feeling that people needed a break and wanting to do something to help them, Sarah began a fundraiser in October which is helping both local businesses, and cancer patients. With the donations received, Sarah will buy vouchers from a variety of Irish businesses, big and small, that are then gifted to cancer patients.
Sarah said: “I began this fundraiser as the numbers of Covid-19 cases in the country hit an all-time high and the country headed into a second lockdown. I myself am a teacher and I watched on as many Irish businesses were facing closure again and the worry of financial ruin.
“From the safe perch of my permanent pensionable job, my heart went out to these businesses up and down the country who had the initiative and bravery to go it alone, adding depth and vigour to our economy only for everything to be threatened by the pandemic.
“So, I want to do something to help them too.”
She continued: “With that, I came up with the idea of starting a GoFundMe fundraiser which would do something to help both Irish businesses and cancer patients. I am based in Cork, so CUH Charity and the Oncology Unit have kindly come on board to help out with the distribution of the vouchers.
“I will research local Irish businesses, buy vouchers and then put together a number of vouchers to be given to each patient.”
Complying with Covid-19 guidelines, Sarah will then post the vouchers to CUH Chairty for distribution and every patient will be presented with an envelope with a number of vouchers enclosed with each patient will get a personal letter from Sarah with a brief outline of each company and how they can access the goods.
Sarah says that vouchers can be purchased from every industry, with the idea being that the patient and their family receive a gift but that there will also be cancer-related vouchers.
“At this time of year, with Christmas fast approaching, it will help ease the burden on all of these families. At the same time, it will ease the burden on the local Irish business community,” the teacher added.
“CUH is a centre of excellence in Munster for the treatment of cancer but I would also love to expand this campaign to include patients in different parts of the country. Obviously, the more money is raised, the more people will benefit.
“I really believe that those of us who can, need to go the extra mile at the moment to help those who have been hit hardest by this pandemic. It could have been any of us, and in many ways, it is all of us,” Sarah said.
Sarah’s fundraising page on GoFundMe.com is called Shop 4 Local Cancer with details also available on the Instagram page.