Nenagh Order of Malta are a small unit of 10 members from Nenagh, explained organiser Julie King. “Although small, we are kept quite busy with helping patients to appointments, covering local, regional and national sporting and community events and educating communities in first aid and AED use.”
Their ambulance is now 17 years old and needs to be replaced for the sustainability of the unit as well as patient comfort. “The repairs on this vehicle are costing us more and more each year,” said Ms King.
“We are not state funded. The unit must fundraise all money for this vehicle by itself on top of all other costs of equipment, medical bags, medication-oxygen and uniforms. We need as much help as possible to replace this vehicle and keep working in our community.”
So far, the campaign has raised about €1,300 towards a target of €30,000. On Friday, August 15, Ms King said: “Thank you to everyone who has donated to us so far.
“Your donation will make a huge difference to the Nenagh Community and will help save lives, change lives and touch lives. This new ambulance will not only make our lives easier when giving care but will also mean that patients will be more comfortable when in our care.”
Meanwhile, a disco will take place on Saturday, August 23, from 8.30pm in The Hibernian Inn in Nenagh in aid of the worthy cause. Guests can buy raffle tickets for fabulous prizes, and the old ambulance will be present so donors can see why it has to be updated.
“Some of the team will be in Nenagh with the ambulance on the day outside the Hibernian where the community will have the chance to look inside the ambulance. There will also be raffle tickets on sale to support the fundraiser with lots of lovely prizes,” said a spokesperson.
Members of the public who cannot come to the disco but who still wish to donate can do so online at gofundme.com. The page is called ‘a new ambulance for the Order of Malta Nenagh Unit.’ All money raised will go directly towards the purchase of the vehicle.
“If we don’t have an ambulance, we cannot do our work,” added the group. “It takes €15,000 to €20,000 a year to run a unit like Nenagh.” This includes purchasing uniforms, equipment, fees, insurance, consumables such as kit restocks, phone costs, oxygen, training, on top of the ambulance.
“We have to work events to cover these costs ourselves. There are ten volunteers who are committed to OMAC Nenagh and who give up their time to keep this service active in the community. We are part of the National Emergency Plan. We need support to continue our vital work in the community.”