A farmer from Westport is among a group of volunteers who have received awards for their outstanding commitment to the people supported by Irish humanitarian organisation, Concern Worldwide.
Eighty years old Shane Parsons has been fundraising for Concern since the late 1970’s, with his tractor a regular feature during the annual Christmas street and church gate collections. Over that time he and local volunteers have raised an estimated €140,000.
“A lot of people associate me with the collection, and the community treat me decently. I think I’ve done it quite well and I have a team that have stuck by me and helped out,” said Mr Parsons.
He became involved in fundraising during the famine in Ethiopia in the 1980’s, as he has an affiliation with the region after learning Italian from an Eritrean priest while living in Aden, Yemen.
“Developing world issues are where my heart lies, I would have a soft spot for the Eritrean and Ethiopian people,” he added.
Concern’s Chief Executive, Dominic MacSorley, praised the organisation’s 1,700 volunteers and all those who support them in their efforts.
Concern’s volunteer awards began in 2013 to celebrate the vital contribution made by the charity’s 1,700 volunteers in Ireland.
The monies raised alleviate poverty and hunger in the world’s poorest countries – which last year alone saw 28.6 million people reached in 24 countries.
