Arklow, September 26, 2024 – East Coast Samaritans celebrated their 10th anniversary with a memorable event at the Arklow Sailing Club. The evening saw a great turnout.
Attendees were warmly greeted in the foyer where a prominent sign displayed the names of everyone who has volunteered with the branch during the last decade, thanking them for their dedication and commitment.
The celebration began with the Annual General Meeting (AGM). Every team in the branch was thanked for their hard work and steadfast support. Many areas of success were highlighted, including the exceptional degree of collaboration, and the unwavering determination to achieve excellence demonstrated by each of them. This was followed by some heartfelt stories shared by guests from the Dublin and Waterford branches. These founding members shared memories and anecdotes relating to the inception and early days of the branch and spoke passionately about the vision and goals which led to its establishment. They shared highlights about the journey, the fun and the many achievements involved in the branch’s foundation back in 2014. It was also noted how busy and successful our outreach and fundraising efforts have been, showcasing the strong collaboration between these teams. Their collective efforts are making a significant difference within our community.
A special mention was made of the fifteen volunteers who have been with the branch since its inception, acknowledging their outstanding commitment and contribution. Each of them was presented with a commemorative gift and a certificate.
The evening was further enhanced by tasty food provided by Orla’s Kitchen, along with a delicious birthday cake to round off the meal. The atmosphere was one of grateful camaraderie as everyone reflected on the common thread that binds them – 10 years of caring for one another and our callers.
Branch Director Damien Byrne expressed his heartfelt thanks to all volunteers and supporters, stating, “Your contributions have been invaluable in helping us reach this significant milestone. We are proud to celebrate 10 years of being here for our callers and look forward to many more years of listening and caring”.
The event was a testament to the strength and unity of East Coast Samaritans, celebrating a decade of making a positive impact in the community.
In memory of volunteers, family members, loved ones and friends who are sadly no longer with us, it was announced that to mark the 10th Anniversary, 10 trees will be planted in the East Coast region: 5 in Co. Wexford and 5 in Co. Wicklow. This initiative is made possible thanks to a grant from Wexford Council, and the plaques are proudly sponsored by Wicklow Rotary Club. The local Tidy Towns committees are delighted to be part of this heart-warming initiative.
Lastly, we are immensely grateful to everyone who helped organise the event. Your hard work and meticulous planning ensured that everything ran smoothly and that we all had a fantastic time.