Comber Foundation Volunteer Programme 2011 a huge success

We here at the Comber Foundation are delighted with the success of our Volunteer Programmes 2011. This Summer saw a total of 14 professionals from various disciplines volunteer their time to work in Giurgiu, Romania for a total period of 10 weeks. The energy, commitment and dedication the teams displayed during their time in Romania was outstanding and we sincerely thank them for making a huge difference in the lives of the those with whom they worked.

Group 1 travelled over to Giurgiu on the 24^th of June to the 29^th of July. They were: Sarah Meaney, Charlotte Spink, Florentina McCarty, Greta Kaempf. They were joined by two returning volunteers Jacklyn O’ Boyle, and Triona Collins.

The team of 6 worked primarily in the new day centre, Comber homes and local parents group ASCHF. The team covered momentous ground while there were there, working in the new day service, delivering occupational therapy sessions within the local parents group ASCHF, holding group education sessions on disability to local high school students and participating in the local Special Olympics Club.

Volunteers worked with residents from the Comber homes, accompanying them on community outings and conducted multiple social evenings in the Comber homes. Also, with help of paint donated from the Romanian Helpline Appeal and the artistic talent of local high school students, the team touched up the therapy room as you can see from the photos.

Vital to the success of our programme is the partnership with local high schools which resulted in a group of young teenagers volunteering their time to interpret for the volunteers. Their dedication was, as always, inspiring and they play an indispensible role for our volunteers in ensuring the programme is a success.

Group 2 arrived in Giurgiu on the 5^th August until the 9^th September. This group was led by returning volunteer Caitlin McKinley as team leader. A total of 8 volunteers worked tirelessly over the 5 weeks. They were: Orla O’ Keefe, Jenny Gannon, Alice McKeown, Ailish Breen, Heather Colson- Osborne, Clare Brosnahan and Carole McGuinness.

The team worked within the new day service alongside our Romanian staff members, in the parents group ASCHF and with the residents of the Comber homes. Some of the activities volunteers delivered was physiotherapy, occupational therapy, addressing communication needs for the children involved in the local parents group ASCHF. A number of  home visits were carried out to those unable to access the therapy room. The team also carried out hoist training in our new Gradinari homes with local staff members.  Volunteers accompanied residents on a number of social outings, including trips to the local pizzeria.

A huge component of the volunteer programme is the invaluable contribution the local high school students make to our programme. Group 2 carried out information sessions with students, including how to  make the most out of their volunteering experience and how to develop their CV’s.

We are delighted with the feedback we have received from everyone both in Ireland and in Romania who participated in the programme and are looking forward to the continuation of the programme in 2012.