Diocesan News16 Dec 10

Bishops of Cork mark 40th anniversary of SHARE with Ecumenical Blessing of crib to launch annual fast and fundraising campaign for Cork's elderly.

Bishop Paul Colton and Bishop John Buckley, together with Cork’s First Citizen, The Rt. Hon. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr. Michael O’Connell, joined the young students of SHARE (drawn from 21 Cork schools) on Wednesday 15th December to mark the start of SHARE’s unique 40th anniversary fast and fundraising campaign, with an ecumenical blessing and the opening of the SHARE crib at Daunt’s Square, Cork (near Grand Parade).
 
This year sees SHARE (Students Harness Aid for the Relief of the Elderly) celebrating 40 years of caring for Cork’s elderly.  The organisation’s traditional fast and fundraising campaign was launched on 15th December at the SHARE Crib and a book documenting the story of SHARE and its achievements over 40 years entitled ‘SHARE – 40th Anniversary – compiled by the young people of SHARE’, will also be launched during the campaign.   
 
‘Every year has brought new developments and many demands on resources of SHARE’ said Robbie Kidney, Chairman of this year’s SHARE Executive committee, which is effectively the Steering Committee.  ‘Bishop Colton and Bishop Buckley have lent their support to SHARE for many years now and their presence at the crib opening really encourages greater participation in the community and gives the SHARE and the students the credibility they deserve. Without the support of Bishop Colton and Bishop Buckley demonstrating interaction in the community, we would find it extremely difficult to encourage Corkonians to dig deep and make a positive contribution towards SHARE’s commitment to Cork’s elderly.’

Speaking at the Launch of S.H.A.R.E.’s 40th Anniversary fast and fundraising campaign, Bishop Paul Colton said:

‘All of us in society have a special duty of care for the older person.  That responsibility is, however, a joy.  It is very rewarding.  I want to take this opportunity to extend warm greetings and a special Christmas blessing to all the students participating in this year’s fast and fundraising campaign, their families and all of the volunteers of S.H.A.R.E. Most of all, my thoughts and prayers are with all older people and their families at this time - I wish you all peace and joy this Christmas and every blessing for the New Year.’

Approximately 1,800 students are participating in the fast and fundraising, with their bright yellow sealed collection boxes and yellow jackets, encouraging people to donate to SHARE and help them keep their work alive, vibrant and effective.  They will collect in the city centre up until Christmas Eve, as many of their parents did before them.  The general public can also have an opportunity to give donations at SHARE cribs in specific shopping centres around the city and suburbs or at the Day Care Centre in Sheare's Street, Cork.
 
The SHARE-built homes (200 homes have been provided by SHARE over the last 40 years) which are located around the city, are comfortable, secure and homely, with user-friendly bathrooms and security systems.  Residents of these homes are provided with a range of practical services, including meals, a laundry service, and a network of support to help them live comfortable, healthy lives in the heart of the community.  A volunteer group of SHARE ‘mothers’ provide a sense of community and security to residents on a daily basis.  SHARE boys and girls visit residents also, enabling the young people to understand the realities of advancing years and the joys and challenges they bring.
 
In addition to the demanding task of continuous maintenance and running of SHARE’s homes dotted around the city at Blarney St, Shandon St, Blackpool, Grattan St, Sundays Well, Abbey Street, Sheare’s Street.  Current maintenance includes essential refurbishment at the large Dún Rís (built 1988) and Cnoc Mhuire complexes and upgrading of all lighting at a number of homes along with on-going repairs and maintenance at several of the complexes.  The flooding which hit the Sheare’s Street area also affected the SHARE Day Care Centre and Dún Rís and repairs/re-instatement of services is an on-going project.
Those wishing to make a donation to SHARE can call to the focal point, The SHARE Crib at Daunt’s Square, or visit their cribs at Mahon Point, Merchant’s Quay, Wilton, Blackpool, Bishopstown Court, Douglas Court and Douglas Village Shopping Centre.  Alternatively, donations can be posted to SHARE, The Brother Jerome Kelly Day Care Centre, Sheare’s Street, Cork.

www.sharecork.org