This article is from page 74 of the 2008-02-12 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 74 JPG
reporter, Bernie English will be trav- elling with them to bring back first
hand reports of the sterling work be- ing done by Clare volunteers.
“We’re absolutely delighted. The building is fully plastered, the second coat of paint is going on inside and everyone is working flat out to have everything ready,” said Olive Halpin, one of the project organisers.
The 32 volunteers who are leaving from Cork on Thursday will be fol- lowed next week by Bishop of Killa- loe, Willie Walsh, who will perform the official opening.
On the ground, volunteers are con- tinuing to make heroic efforts, both as a group and as individuals, said Olive.
‘The bus picks the volunteers up at 6.30am and they hardly stop all day”, said Olive.
“They’re tired but we’re having great craic and what is being done
here is incredible. People have given rom releree lee
Some volunteers are even reluctant to go home once their time is done. Plumber, Gerry Leonard from Ruan has opted to stay another ten days to fit the bathrooms once the tilers have finished.
Meanwhile, the group preparing to leave on Friday will be leaving room in their suitcases – for toys for the children.
‘“We’ve been given a donation of toys to boring out because Sr Ethel starts now to prepare for Christmas with the children,’ said fellow organ- iser, Maureen McCarthy.
When the Lissycasey nun arrived in Missionvale more than twenty years ago, she had no buildings to work from and instead began reading to the children of the shanty towns un-
Clara ueee
Since then, the centre has grown and now feeds in excess of 2,000 people a day, provides schooling for the children of the township and brings what medical help is available to the many who have contracted the AIDS virus, which is pandemic in South Africa.
The new hospice will not only care for people in the terminal stages of the disease but will also be a health education centre, to help people man- age their health.