Diocesan News23 Apr 09

Local Volunteers for Romania Supported Across the Community

'A group of ordinary people going out to work alongside ordinary people'. That is how a team from All Saints Clooney, in the diocese of Derry and Raphoe, describe themselves as they head out to undertake a week of volunteer work in Romania. They will be commissioned at Morning Service on Sunday 26th April, and leave for Romania later that day.

The thirteen-member team not only brings their skills and enthusiasm. They also bring a gift of £10,000 that has been raised locally in Londonderry. This money will be spent in Romania to meet local needs there. The money came from events as diverse as tribute nights, fundraising at one person’s 50th birthday party and from a local supermarket. One of the most encouraging things is that contributions have come from every part of the community here in Londonderry – another reason for making this a good news story.

The team is volunteering with an organization called Networks, which has been working in Romania for the past twelve years. Team members bring all sorts of skills and experience and include as diverse work backgrounds as nursing, teaching and administration. All are taking a week of their annual leave to volunteer.

The Rector of All Saints Clooney, Rev Malcolm Ferry, said, “The diocese of Derry and Raphoe has a commitment that is summed up in four words, Transforming Community - Radiating Christ. This visit is about serving the needs of a local community. Not only do we want to do that in our own city but in other places where we have the opportunity. This volunteering trip has been made possible not only be by a lot of hard work by team members and the wider congregation. It goes with our support and very best wishes. It has also inspired us to think of new ways in which we can serve the needs of the local community on our doorstep”.

Neville Barnes who is engaged in fulltime Christian work is leading the volunteering team.