Concert proceeds support Waterford Samaritans
The Sing for Joy concert raised funds for the local Samaritans branch in Waterford.
The musical director of the local Waterford acclaimed and inspirational Sing for Joy - Song Circle choir visited the Samaritans last week to present the proceeds of a charity concert which was also a tribute to a former Samaritan.
The director of the choir, Tara, held the concert in honour of her late uncle who recently passed away and who was a local Samaritan in the 1990s.
"The evening of the concert was full of joy and dancing, which only music and singing can bring. The branch appreciates the donation very much," said a spokesperson for the Samaritans Waterford and South East Branch.
Fintan Duffy, branch director, emphasised that the proceeds will benefit the branch and "support those in the community, especially during the long and dark winter nights when loneliness is often more prevalent."
The cheque that was presented to the Samaritans on Monday, September 16, was for a total sum of €3,690 which was raised entirely from the concert.
"It was a poignant moment to hand over the cheque from our Song Circle Summer Sessions in aid of The Samaritan’s Waterford & South East Branch. Thank you so much to all that contributed to our event back in July - including our Song Circle members, musicians and all those who donated either online or in person," said a spokesperson from Sing for Joy.
"This amount will help to keep the branch running for almost one month," they added.
The Samaritans will be hosting an event to raise awareness for World Mental Health day on Saturday, October 12, at Coach House Coffee on the Greenway, where the group will be walking to Kilmacthomas and back.
The event takes place between 12pm and 3pm and organisers are welcoming everyone to come along and "chat about what we do and what volunteering involves."
If you need to contact the Samaritans, there is always someone available, day or night, when many other support lines and services are closed. The Samaritans can be contacted free of charge at 116 123 or jo@samaritans.ie.
Alternatively, the Samaritans is open for face-to-face chats from 2pm to 8pm each day at 16 Beau Street,Waterford.
