One of the blue Skoda cars used by Pope Francis during his Irish visit has been donated to Foyle Search and Rescue.
The head of the life-saving Derry charity was speechless to hear the good news that the pontiff’s bespoke Skoda ‘Rapid’ would be making its way to the city.
Many memorable scenes from the Pope’s visit to Ireland last weekend featured the blue Rapid cars, as Skoda was the official car partner to the World Meeting of Families 2018.
On Pope Francis’ return to the Vatican, it was announced that both cars would be donated to charity.
One of these Skoda cars has been given by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, to Crosscare, the social care agency of the Archdiocese of Dublin, for use by staff in their Mater Dei homeless hub. Following a recommendation of Archbishop Eamon Martin, the other car used by Pope Francis has been offered to the Derry-based volunteer charity, Foyle Search and Rescue.
Skoda was the official car partner to the World Meeting of Families 2018.
The chairman of Foyle Search and Rescue, Mr Stephen Twells, said, “I was speechless when I heard the good news! Foyle Search volunteers are very honoured and most appreciative to be the recipients of this very kind gift.
“Pope Francis’ car will provide a morale boost to our volunteers at this time, during what has been a very tough year for all of us in the city. I also aware that this gift will be a great comfort to many families here in Derry knowing that we have been recognised by the Holy Father, and by Archbishop Martin, for the work that we do.”
Foyle Search and Rescue was set up in 1993 by local people in Derry in response to the high number of drownings in the River Foyle. The service now includes suicide prevention and supporting families in the city.
On welcoming the donation to Foyle Search and Rescue Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “I am most appreciative to Archbishop Diarmuid Martin for this generosity regarding this gift of a car used by Pope Francis during his wonderful visit to our country. This Skoda ‘Rapid’ will be of great practical help to the volunteers of Foyle Search and Rescue as they undertake their brave and vital life-saving work.”
Archbishop Eamon continued, “From my time as a priest ministering in Derry, I know well at first-hand how the local Foyle Search and Rescue volunteers work selflessly, and of their own free time, each week to help those who are vulnerable and in need. The volunteers patrol the river at peak times on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, from 9.30pm to 3.00am, and engage with people in distress, maintain lifebelts and, critically, the volunteers save human lives.”
It is envisaged that the blue Skoda ‘Rapid’ will be used by Foyle Search and Rescue volunteers as they undertake their work in patrolling the shores of the River Foyle. The car will be donated shortly, but will not possess its current number plate ‘SCV 1’ which represents the designation Stato della Citta del Vaticano, or ‘Vatican City’.
