This article was first published on December 19^th, 2008.

Christmas Party Time at St. Mary’s Castleblayney
The first Volunteer Bureau Employer Supported Project

December saw a landmark occasion for Co. Monaghan Partnership as members of the Local Development Social Inclusion Programme (LDSIP) team participated in the company’s very first ‘Employer Supported Volunteering’ project. A distinct air of Christmas merriment descended upon head office as staff members enthusiastically made preparations for what proved to be a thoroughly enjoyable Christmas Show in St. Mary’s Hospital, Castleblayney.

CMP team at St. Mary's.

The show which took place on Tuesday, 9th December is part of the Volunteer Bureau strategy to encourage ‘Employer Supported Volunteering’ initiatives across Co. Monaghan. ‘Employer Supported Volunteering’ is when companies actively encourage their employees to participate voluntary work within the local community. This concept is relatively new to Ireland but has been put into practice in many countries across the globe. Beyond the obvious benefits for the organisations that provide the volunteering opportunities there are also real benefits for employers. Employer Supported Volunteeering can improve the morale and motivation of staff, contribute to good team development, and improve communication. It is also a great opportunity for businesses/companies to raise their profile within their local community.

Pauline, Mick, Jim, Julie & Gerard strut their stuff.

Needless to say that ‘Employer Supported Volunteering’ also gives staff a great opportunity to showcase their talents. This was very much demonstrated at the St. Mary’s Hospital Christmas Show with all the members of the LDSIP team making an important contribution to the event. After a warm welcome by Peter McArdle (LDSIP Team Leader) the patients and hospital staff were treated to a varied and entertaining programme. Music on the day was provided by Pauline McKenna (Disabilty Advocate), Jim Kerr (Supported Employment Team Leader) and Mick Dunne (Integration Officer). This musical trio enthraled the audience with their renditions of classic Christmas carols on the banjo, guitar and flute as did the National school pupils from Scoil na gCailini in Castleblayney who put on an excellent display of Irish dancing. Other items on the programme included a Christmas poem and recollections from the patients of Christmas’ past. The event concluded with a warm glass of delectable mulled wine and piece of homemade shor tbread as Co.Monghan Partnership staff chatted and socialised with the staff and patients of the hospital. It is prehaps appropiate at this point to mention a visit from one very special guest, that being, the ‘real’ Santa Claus who presented each patient with a stocking filled with Christmas treats.

Santa delivers the goodies.

The Volunteer Bureau wishes to thank McArdle Printers, Centra Castleblayney, Dinkins bakery, Colyes Pharmacy and National pen for their very kind donations towards this event. And of course, special thanks to Santa who took time out of his very busy schedule to bring some Christmas cheer.

If you would like to find out more about ‘Employer Supported Volunteering’ in Co. Monaghan please feel free to contact Audrey Wilson (Volunteer Bureau Development Officer) on 042 97 54551.