NOMINATOR

NOMINEE

• Background and Extent of fundraising undertaken: As a former member of the Garda Siochana, Gerry McDonagh has brought many of his well honed skills to his life as a volunteer. On retirement Gerry felt that he wanted to do something to help his local hospice; Our Lady's Hospice in Harold's Cross.  He established a committee and for the last 10 years, Gerry has organised an annual Cheese and Wine Hospice fundraiser which has become a hugely popular event.  In 2008 the event made €31,400 and up to 2008 raised €270,000 making it a consistently effective fundraiser for the hospice.

• Distinctiveness of the effort: With the money that has been made from this event, Our Lady's Hospice has been able to supply extra comforts for patients such as aromatherapy sessions, reflexology and other therapies. Funds raised from this event have also helped to support families through bereavement counseling.

  Over the past 5 years over €30 million has been spent on capital development in Our Lady's Hospice and €20 million of that has been raised through fundraisers such as Gerry.  

  The Cheese and Wine night is now a date on the social calendar for many people.  Staff, volunteers and supporters of Our Lady's Hospice look forward to the event every year.

• Longevity: Gerry has been a longstanding, dedicated volunteer of over 10 years for Our Lady's Hospice, Harold's Cross. And if that is not enough, Gerry calls in regularly to the Hospice and is always on hand to offer help and support with all Hospice events throughout the year.  He helps to count the heavy coin accumulated at events and assists staff in lodging the money.  

  His time in helping the Hospice with these day to day tasks enables staff members to concentrate on other areas as Gerry is carrying out these essential jobs so willingly and so well along with a penchant for storytelling livening up the fundraising office.

• Innovation: Each year the Cheese and Wine event grows bigger and bigger attracting new supporters of the event.  These new supporters are attracted by the social aspect of the event but often find out for the first time about the work of the Hospice and go on to become volunteers or donors as a result.  Some will help Gerry in organising or promoting subsequent Cheese and Wine evenings.

  New sponsors come on board to support the event.

  These are important new ongoing relationships which would not have happened only for Gerry.

• Leading by example: Gerry organises and works with his committee to raise money for the Hospice. In fact, he has never been allowed to retire. These His motivation key factor in the success of the event and his encouragement brings out the best in all who work with him.   He is a longstanding, regular volunteer who willingly gives his time to call into the Fundraising Department to help with counting and lodging money 2-3 times a week.