Rotary stands four-square behind new Mayo centre for children with cancer
The newly elected district governor of Rotary Ireland, Seamus Parle, has said his main aims will be to maximise the organisations’ community impact and increase public awareness of the benefits of Rotary membership.
The all-island nature of Rotary, something which Mr. Parle holds dear, is very evident in his nominated charity for the year ahead, which is Cancer Fund for Children.
The charity aims to provide emotional support for children diagnosed with cancer and their families across Ireland. One of the ways it does this is by providing therapeutic short breaks for families at its Daisy Lodge centre in Newcastle, Co. Down.
Plans for a second lodge in Cong, Co. Mayo, which will cost around €20 million to build, are well advanced, and Rotary Ireland stands four-square behind the new centre.
Mr. Parle said: “A cancer diagnosis for anyone is a devastating blow, but especially for young people. Providing space and support to these children and their families in a caring and calm environment is an essential emotional support.
“At any one time there is a waiting list of over 50 families for Daisy Lodge in Newcastle, Co. Down. This second lodge at Cong on the shores of Lough Corrib will enable the charity to increase the number of children and parents it supports each year from 1,800 to 4,000. Helping to progress this project will be one of our flagship projects this year.”
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Mr. Parle said Rotary is dedicated to serving communities both here and abroad, and through its voluntary work provids an excellent platform for people to develop socially and professionally. He said he hadn’t looked back since joining the organisation 12 years ago.
“Rotary members are people with a social conscience who want to put their skills and expertise into the service of the community. Whether it’s supporting a health or education project here in Ireland, providing housing for families in Ukraine or funding a water pump project in rural Kenya, Rotary has no shortage of projects to become involved in.
“Through Rotary I’ve learned so much and met so many wonderful people from all over the island of Ireland and beyond. Quite simply, joining Rotary was the best decision I made this century.”
Mr. Parle, an accountant in practice in Wicklow, though now semi-retired, is originally from Drinagh in Co. Wexford but has lived in Wicklow town for over 40 years. In addition to serving as club president of Wicklow Rotary, the married father of two grown-up daughters has also held the roles of assistant district governor and district treasurer. He says there have been many highlights to his time in Rotary, but two especially come to mind.
“The first one was when we secured government funding of €250,000 under an anti-dumping initiative for Rotary’s Bikes 4 Africa project. Through this project, old or unwanted bikes are repaired and forwarded to people in Africa.
“As well as providing students and adults in rural areas with a vital mode of transport, the scheme also involves the support of the Irish Prison Service, with the bikes being repaired at a bike shed at Loughan House Open Centre. It’s a win-win for people in Africa and individuals here who develop new skills while making a valuable contribution to this excellent project.
“The other is Wicklow’s own Simon Harris, a graduate of Rotary’s Youth Leadership Development Competition, some 20 years ago, becoming Taoiseach. Simon learned a lot through his involvement in Rotary and it shows the benefits of becoming involved at a young age regardless of whichever party you support or are a member of.
“Simon has been a very strong supporter of the organisation down the years and is an honorary life member. This year two young girls from Wicklow, Lucy Curran and Juno Cherry-Roberts, won the same competition. I am sure they and all the other participants from all over the island of Ireland will go on to achieve great things.”
Rotary Ireland is a community driven humanitarian service and membership organisation with 68 clubs (there is one in almost every county on the island) and some 1,500 members. Mr. Parle urged anyone who is looking to serve their community by giving something back to consider giving Rotary a try.
“We are always looking for new people and new ideas so if you are interested in learning more about Rotary and the membership model which suits you, contact your local club or go to www.rotary.ie. You will be assured of a warm welcome and it could be the start of an amazing journey,” he concluded.