A newly-launched community fund is set to be a win-win for Donegal’s healthcare staff and local businesses hit by coronavirus.
The fund, called ‘A Treat For Nurses’, aims to show appreciation for the ‘amazing’ nurses and all hospital service staff who are facing the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Every €20 donated will be spent on a voucher at a local business – offering support for local enterprises which have had to close to prevent the spread. The vouchers will then be gifted to nurses and as many staff members as possible.
The project, launched last night, is already quickly gaining support.
A spokesperson said: “We wanted to do something to give nurses something to look forward to, a treat for when this pandemic ends.
“I intend to buy vouchers for all sorts of local businesses including beauticians, hairdressers, cafes, restaurants, shops etc.
“It would be great if bigger businesses that can afford to could donate vouchers. These can be emailed to atreatfornurses@gmail.com.”
A contact at the hospital will be distributing the vouchers when the crisis is over.
“How they are distributed will depend on how many vouchers are gathered. They could be raffled if there aren’t enough for all nurses.
“It would be amazing to have enough for all staff including community nurses paramedics, cleaners, caterers, secretaries etc but this would be a big ask.”
Donations can be made through the Facebook page: A Treat For Nurses at Letterkenny University Hospital, or on https://www.ifundraise.ie/ or by emailing atreatfornurses@gmail.com.
“Everyone appreciates the work being done by frontline staff at the minute so this is just a little gesture to say thanks and also to help out local businesses that are closed for the foreseeable,” the spokesperson added.