Donegal has come out near the top in a survey of kindness during the pandemic.
Cadbury commissioned a survey of 1,100 people to ask them what they’ve done for the community over the last 12 months.
And our own county has scored well in many of the questions answered.
People across the county are making a conscious effort to support local businesses with 81% of people in Donegal doing this where possible which was just behind table-toppers Kerry.
The survey also showed that Donegal people really appreciate the communities they live in with 77% responding positively, again just behind Kerry in pole position.
Overall a whopping 98% of Irish people have helped others since the COVID pandemic hit Ireland — and most of the nation plans on keeping it up.
Of the 98%, Cadbury found 58% have called in to check on a family member or friend while 31% have checked on a elderly neighbour.
It doesn’t stop there, as 32% of us have gone out food shopping for someone cocooning.
Elsewhere, a strong 81% of the Irish people feel the country has a good sense of community while 78% are supporting local businesses since the beginning of the COVID pandemic.
Meanwhile, 88% of us would happily put a skill to good use to benefit someone in need and 80% are more grateful receiving small acts of kindness.
Almost three-quarters (70%) appreciate the community we live in and 62% are more likely to help others out since the arrival of COVID.
Over half (52%) want to spend more time in their town/community when the pandemic ends.
From the onset of the pandemic, charity took quite a hit as many fundraising events had to be cancelled.
Despite this, the people of Ireland still found a way to reach out with 65% of people saying that they have volunteered for a charity, community group or club.
The sense of community, as mentioned, has grown greatly with 42% of us saying we have gotten to know people in our communities better in the past year, and 50% of us also plan on being more active in the community when restrictions lift.
When asked why they would like to spend more time in their communities: 46% said they can spend more time with family, 43% said they enjoy the pace of life in their community, 42% said they enjoy supporting local businesses, while 27% are happy not having a daily commute.
Elsewhere, a strong 81% of the Irish people feel the country has a good sense of community while 78% are supporting local businesses since the beginning of the COVID pandemic
Commissioned by Cadbury Ireland, the research results were released to mark the return and third year of Sound Town — a Cadbury and Today FM initiative which awards a Sound Town status to communities that embody generosity and kindness.
Throughout the year, monthly winning towns will be selected and presented with an official Sound Town plaque. Each monthly winning town is then shortlisted for a chance to win €10,000 when the overall 2021 Sound Town winner is announced at the end of the year.