The organiser of a new community fund for healthcare staff has been overwhelmed by the kindness of local businesses.
Over €5,600 in vouchers and cash has been donated as a Treat For Nurses at Letterkenny University Hospital.
The fund was launched just two days ago by Donegal woman Linda, who wanted 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 for nurses to enjoy after the outbreak has settled down. Vouchers will be bought at a local business – offering support for local enterprises which have had to close to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
However, Linda didn’t expect the generosity to reach such a high level in such a short period of time.
The initial idea was to use the money raised to buy vouchers from local businesses, but the donations are continuously flooding in.
Linda told Donegal Daily: “Every time I try to buy a voucher from a business they donate a few of them! People have been so generous and it just shows the appreciation that everyone has for the work being carried out by Frontline staff.
“At this rate there will definitely be a voucher for every nurse and I’m hoping if it continues that these vouchers will extend to other staff too. They are all so important. I narrowed it down to nurses as I thought I would be lucky to get enough vouchers to cover them. I was not expecting this kind of response.
“I would love to thank all the businesses who have kindly donated despite the fact that they are facing uncertain times themselves not knowing when they will reopen. People have been amazing.”
Linda had planned to ring businesses to buy vouchers with the funds raised, but she said her phone has not stopped with people ringing and sending messages to donate vouchers.
McElhinneys and their nail bar ‘Nicki Michelle nail bar’ kindly donated vouchers, like many other businesses, and staff did another whip around last night to raise a further €1,300 from their own pockets.
“This generosity is coming from people who aren’t working at the minute which shows the respect people have for frontline workers,” Linda said.
“I have also received messages from nurses who are overwhelmed with the kindness of all the local businesses. Let’s keep this going and show them that we are all behind them!”
Lab workers and paramedics are also set to receive a surprise treat this Friday morning, Linda hinted.
Donations to ‘A Treat for Nurses’ 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.
Tags: