Kerry Volunteer Centre and members of the Irish Massage Therapists Association in Kerry were delighted to present the proceeds from Health Awareness Week for Volunteers and Carers to local charity Kerry Autism Action today.

Organised by Kerry Volunteer Centre in conjunction with the Kerry Branch of the IMTA, Health Awareness Week gave volunteers and carers in Kerry an opportunity to relax and pamper themselves, learn more about their health and raise money for charity.

Manager of Kerry Volunteer Centre, Hannah Lane said “As part of our programme of activities for the European Year of Volunteering, we teamed up with IMTA therapists to give something back to volunteers and carers in recognition of their contributions within our communities. We had a great response from both volunteers and carers who availed of these free treatments which they would not usually have the opportunity or means to access. They must be thanked wholeheartedly for their generosity as without their kind donations, we would not be in a position to present €460 to Kerry Autism Action today.”

Hannah continued, “I would like to also acknowledge the efforts of the therapists themselves who made Health Awareness Week possible and in particular their Regional Officer Barbara Mutschler-Hild of the Massage Clinic Caherdaniel. They were all so generous in sharing and donating for free their time, skills and resources, allowing volunteers and carers access to treatments such as massage, reflexology, Bowen Therapy and a variety of health workshops over a number of days from the 7th-12th November in Tralee, Killarney, Killorglin, Caherdaniel and Caherciveen.”

Susan Dunne Chairperson of Kerry Autism Action said “We greatly appreciate this wonderful donation received today. The money will go towards much needed therapies for children with autism in Kerry. We would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to all involved- the therapists, Kerry Volunteer Centre and most of all, the volunteers and carers who gave donations. A big thank you to everyone.”

Health Awareness Week for Volunteers and Carers once again demonstrated the huge difference volunteerism makes to the lives of individuals, families and organisations within communities all over Kerry. If you are an individual looking to get involved in volunteering or a voluntary organisation looking to involve volunteers, then contact Kerry Volunteer Centre on 066 7117966.