Our Showcasing-our-Work series of stories of volunteers and non-profits who have used our service continues. This time we meet Monica Mc Elhinney of Focus Ireland and the Donal Parsons Trust.

What has been your involvement with Sligo Volunteer Centre?

Over the years I have engaged with the Volunteer Centre for a few different organisations. The one that resonates best with me is when the Donal Parson’s Trust (DPT) was active. At that time the staff in Sligo Volunteer Centre were invaluable to the Trust.

I have also been involved with the Centre on behalf of the Warriors Run Committee.

More recently I have used the Volunteer Centre for Focus Ireland (https://www.focusireland.ie/).

Why did these organisations take on volunteers?

Donal Parson’s Trust – We took on volunteers to assist us to run our second-hand book shop and other fundraising events.

 Focus Ireland–  Admin support & Helpers for Santy’s Grotto.

Would you do it again?

Yes, I would.

 

Did you find the person you were looking for?

Donal Parson’s Trust – Yes, we did. We also got unsuitable applicants but because of the training received from the VC we were able to overcome the challenges of this and were able to accommodate one of the applicants.

Focus Ireland – same as above. We got one really unsuitable volunteer but through conversation with the staff from the Volunteer Centre we sorted that out too.

To date I have only had one volunteer in Admin, they were perfect. I am in the process of working with the Volunteer Centre to recruit another admin volunteer.

Did you get what you expected from Sligo Volunteer Centre?

Yes and more.

Did your organisation get any support from Sligo Volunteer Centre?

Donal Parson’s Trust – We got great support from SVC, they helped us develop a volunteer recruitment policy and gave us insights on how to recruit suitable volunteers. 

Focus Ireland – Great attention to detail from the VC staff as to how to attract the correct volunteer.

We got great support from SVC, they helped us develop a volunteer recruitment policy and gave us insights on how to recruit suitable volunteers. 

Monica Mc Elhinney

Did you find it easy to access training or support?

Absolutely, the Volunteer Centre always offer training and support.

Was it valuable?

Yes, anything I have attended I have always come away with something useful and positive.

Would you recommend Sligo Volunteer Centre?

100%

Anything else you’d like to add?

Sligo Volunteer Centre are a very important link to organisations that work in the charity sector, along with assisting with volunteer recruitment they host events during the year which are great networking opportunities and in the past have enabled me to build important relationships within the sector.