Gerry Devlin New Community Hearts Ambassador

 Gerry Devlin New Community Hearts Ambassador
 
Gerard Devlin, a cancer survivor and member of the East Galway Cancer Centre, is the newly nominated ambassador for the next three- five years for Ballinasloe Community Hearts.

He was chosen from nominations sent out to local organisations and he received the highest amount of approvals. He was selected back in March but owing to Covid-19, he was unable to be officially unveiled until recently. He received his Medallion and a trophy showing the hands of friendship to mark his selection. He also received €500 towards his chosen charity.

Gerry, a former AT Cross employee is known around town for his book writing, craft work and engagement with a variety of local organisations and runs a number of social media sites which reflect on byegone days !
“ I’m looking forward to making my own impact for charity and I believes this is the perfect time to do it. There is great kindness and generosity from the Irish community towards donating and I hope this pattern continues for the future” , states Gerry. He intends to continue to run events and help out in any way.
Community Hearts was founded in 2001 by Maureen Cahalan in order to support local charities. She was helped tremendously through different charities in overcoming her husband’s death and wanted to give back to them for all the help she received.

To raise money for these local charities, Maureen has held events such as a Fish and Chips night, walks, and a Christmas Market to help raise these funds. All money collected is spread out between two or three charities in the town.
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They have in the past, run workshops for people who lost their jobs. The attendees were addressed by a guest speaker and then shown how to create a short and informative C.V. on one page. They were also retrained in how to sign up and do a successful interview which was all thanks to Bank of Ireland who gave them a room for three weeks and Tomas Gullane who gave them a room for six weeks.

“I love to take part with all aspects of the charity as I feel I am giving back to the community” states Maureen .

Gerard along with Maureen and treasurer Kathleen Treacy will try their best to help everyone out in the community. If they find an opening for an event or talk to help, they’ll do their best to facilitate it. If you have any queries, please contact Maureen.