Tipperary Search & Rescue group appeals for support

The voluntary Tipperary Search and Rescue group is appealing for support to help it continue with the delivery of its services.

Like all charities and voluntary groups during the pandemic, we have struggled to raise the funds needed to maintain our ability to respond in emergencies. Our members, despite this, have remained available and responded when called upon.

During the last two months we have instigated a number of fundraising activities. The latest event, a cycle from Nenagh to Clonmel, was an event to raise funds for ourselves and North Tipperary Hospice. The cyclists where from our unit and our friends in Limerick Suicide Watch, another charity run by volunteers.

We were delighted with the reception from locals in towns as we passed through and would like to thank An Garda Síochána for the lights and siren escorts into and through the towns; so many smiling faces and excited children.

Along with this fundraiser we have received a number of donations prior to the event. Inver Ireland made a donation from their charitable fund, which was very welcome; a local poet in Templemore, Mary Hogan, wrote, published and sold a book of poems donating all the proceeds to us, a generous and wonderfully community-spirited effort.

All funds raised are spent to maintain our equipment and enable our quick response to callouts. All our members are volunteers, no one is paid, no one is gifted anything, we are a 100% volunteer unit and we are delighted with the ongoing support of the people of Tipperary and further afield.

Fundraising is often long and difficult; we do not always raise the funds needed but we continue to be available and ready to respond. If any corporate entity would like to assist us in this regard, we are always happy and willing to meet and discuss our needs, as we are a charity all donations are tax deductible for businesses.

Once again, thank you to all who donated or supported us in any way. Thank you to the public who cheered, clapped, beeped horns and waved as we passed, and to those who were so excited to see lights and sirens; those lights and sirens are not always a bad thing; those who use them and volunteers or paid services are there to help.