Family Carers Ireland urge Leitrim to show its Heart of Gold on Thursday, June 13

Family Carers Ireland has kicked off its national fundraising campaign, Heart of Gold, aimed at providing vital support to family carers in Leitrim. With an estimated 3,266 family carers in Leitrim this campaign aims to recognise their invaluable contribution and raise vital funds.

Coinciding with National Carers Week, Heart of Gold takes place on Thursday, June 13. The purpose of this campaign is to not only to raise funds for Family Carers Ireland’s critical programs, supports and services, but to also raise awareness about the challenges facing family carers.

As part of the campaign, street collections will take place in towns and villages nationwide giving members of the community an opportunity to show their support and appreciation for family carers.

Patricia Blee, Community Support Manager, Family Carers Ireland, said: "The Heart of Gold campaign is a heartfelt tribute to the unwavering dedication and selflessness of family carers in Leitrim and beyond. It is about ensuring that the invaluable work and challenges faced by family carers are not only seen but understood."

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Patricia further encouraged the public to get involved, saying: "We invite everyone in Leitrim to join us on Thursday, June 13 for our street collections, purchase a Heart of Gold pin, and consider participating in the 50 Miles in June Challenge.

"Every contribution makes a difference in supporting our family carers and ensuring they receive the assistance they need.

"Funds raised throughout the month of June will directly support vital services, such as our National Freephone Careline, counselling, respite care, and local drop-in centres," she continued.

"Additionally, the campaign will help provide peer support groups, training sessions, and carers' forums, which help to ease the isolation often felt by family carers. These services go beyond mere support; they are lifelines for those selflessly committed to caring for others."

Family carer, Rosemary Kratschmar, who cares for her son Sammy said: "It truly does take a village to raise a child, and that couldn’t be more true for a child with special needs. The journey is long and sometimes lonely, and no one should have to navigate it alone.

"Having the support of the community and services like those provided by Family Carers Ireland not only helps us care for Sammy with love and dignity, but also reminds us that we are part of a larger family that understands and shares in our challenges and triumphs.

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"This is why every bit of support from the 'Heart of Gold' campaign is so vital - it helps sustain not just the practical assistance we rely on, but also the community that lifts us up every day."

For those unable to attend the street collections, donations can be made via the Family Carers Ireland website at www.familycarers.ie/donate.