Scouts’ honour as generous Limerick youngsters help homeless

KIND-HEARTED Limerick youngsters are organising donations to help some of the least well-off in society.

Members of Caherdavin Scout Group, on the city’s northside, have teamed up with local homelessness charity Novas to collect clothes, non-perishable foods and toiletries.

At their meetings each Thursday night, they are bringing the offerings for Novas’ volunteers to use on their outreach programme.

This sees them walk the streets of Limerick to provide the donations and support to those sleeping rough.

Bob Halvey, the chairperson of Caherdavin Scout Group said the children have organised collections among families, friends and their sporting clubs, while people who want to donate are welcome to drop-in an item when the troop meets each Thursday.

It’s all being done as part of their 50th anniversary celebrations.

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As part of the initiative – which the scouts came up with themselves – CEO of Novas Dr Una Burns paid a visit to their hall near Christ the King Church to speak with the scouts about the work of the Limerick based charity.

"We are so grateful. It was a lovely experience to talk with the scout members in Limerick, and they were particularly interested in the work we do with the outreach programme,” she said.

Dr Burns added there are many items people might not realise are needed, for example sunscreen during the summer months.
Mr Halvey said: “We are trying to teach these children to be better, more community-minded citizens. Part of scouting is helping those less fortunate.

“We are trying to instil that ethos into them. It doesn't matter why somebody is homeless or on the street begging. They are there, they are human beings and we have to help them”.

If you want to make a donation, you can drop into the Caherdavin Scout Hall at Blackthorn Drive every Thursday between 7.30pm and 9pm.

Alternatively, give Mr Halvey a call at 086 0403861.