A PROUD volunteer for Childline has told how she can help and comfort a kid in need – in less time than it takes her to scroll through her mobile phone. Elizabeth Donlon-Fox started off committing four hours a week to the charity, which was founded by Esther Rantzen in 1986 to offer youngsters confidential support with their worries. And, over a decade later, she now holds the position of co-ordinator.
Elizabeth wanted to give something back through ISPCC Childline after recognising not all kids have the safe and happy family upbringing she did. Urging others to get involved, she told the Irish Sun : “I scrolled seven or eight hours on my phone, but four hours a week is all that we ask volunteers to give to us.” Childline relies on thousands of volunteers to answer over 107,000 calls every year from children.
And this year, the Woodie’s Heroes Initiative has again chosen it as one of its charity beneficiaries. Any money donated in Woodie’s hardware stores or online will be split between four good causes, which also include Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Down Syndrome Ireland and the Children’s Health Foundation. Here, Elizabeth shares her story .
. . I COMMENCED volunteering oh, too many years ago — it started for me as I was classroom based at the time and I wanted to give something back.
I was very fortunate that I came from a great family, a great network, and — when you start to work with children in whatever sphere, education or social work — you come .