Thanks to all our volunteers for National Volunteering Week!

The Irish Cancer Society is marking National Volunteering Week (May 12th-18th, 2014)  by extending a huge thank you to its thousands of volunteers nationwide who have donated their time to support the Society and help cancer patients. Volunteers, who work across the Society’s cancer services and fundraising initiatives, have a vital role in the Society’s provision of free cancer information and support services nationwide.

Cancer is a growing concern in Ireland with one in three people now developing cancer during their lifetime. Latest figures show that 34,798 people were diagnosed with cancer in Ireland in 2011 with up to 35,000 new cases of cancer expected to be diagnosed across the country this year. The support of the public and the Society’s loyal volunteers means the Irish Cancer Society can provide daily care and support to the the thousands of people who are affected by cancer. Receiving less than 5 per cent of income from government funding, the Irish Cancer Society relies on public support through donations and volunteering to deliver vital services.

John McCormack, CEO of the Irish Cancer Society said: “We are greatly appreciative of the tireless work of our thousands of volunteers across the country who selflessly give their time and expertise to helping the Society to provide support for cancer patients. Volunteers who work with the Society do so across a wide range of services and fundraising campaigns. They work in the Society’s Daffodil Centres providing information and care to cancer patients in hospitals, they help deliver the Care to Drive service by driving patients to and from chemotherapy treatment and they are out in communities educating the public around reducing their risk of cancer. Our volunteers are also raising vital funds by working in Irish Cancer Society shops and fundraising through initiatives such as Daffodil Day and Relay For Life so that the Society can continue to provide free cancer services and fund world-class cancer research.

"Many of our services depend on volunteers and these people deserve the deepest gratitude of the Irish Cancer Society and the wider society. This National Volunteering Week, we want to say to them that they are making a difference and we wish to express our appreciation to them.”

National Volunteering Week is the one week of the year when the people of Ireland are encouraged to give volunteering a try. When it comes to volunteering, everyone has something to give and so much to gain from getting involved. National Volunteering Week is also an opportunity to shine a light on the inspiring work of volunteers and highlight the value and impact of volunteering to Irish society. Whether you’re an individual, a company or an organisation, everyone can take part in National Volunteering Week and it's easy to get involved.

Click here for information about volunteering with the Irish Cancer Society