Dundalk Red Cross celebrates a year of community service and outreach

The Dundalk Branch of the Irish Red Cross has had an impressive 2025, providing vital community services, empowering young people, and showcasing the dedication of its volunteers across the town.

Throughout 2025, the Dundalk Unit Section delivered a wide range of services, from emergency patient transfers to public first aid training. Volunteers completed 52 patient transfers, helping community members attend essential medical appointments.

The branch also provided first aid cover at 40 community events, including Countryfest, Joesfest, Dundalk Pride, Youth Work Ireland Louth Colour Run, and local sports matches. Weekly Tuesday training sessions helped volunteers maintain key skills and achieve nationally recognised qualifications in Pre-Hospital Emergency Care.

The Youth Section kept young people actively engaged in humanitarian education and practical skills. Weekly youth groups, for ages 4–17, completed programs on first aid, mental health, inclusion, anti-bullying, and the Red Cross Fundamental Principles.

Dundalk’s young volunteers participated in national events, including the National Youth Forum in Athlone and the National Youth Camp in Limerick, gaining experience in psychological first aid, emergency response, and humanitarian law. Local youth also contributed to community projects, such as a food donation drive at Christmas and support for young people affected by Storm Eowyn.

One of the highlights of 2025 was the launch of the CPR Primary Schools Program, which reached six local schools and taught 250 pupils life-saving CPR skills.

Dundalk volunteers were also recognised nationally at the Irish Red Cross Volunteer Awards, with Isabella Nordon named Young Volunteer of the Year and Ryan Hayes, Unit Officer, awarded Unit Member of the Year.

In October, Dundalk became the 8th branch worldwide to take part in the Branch Organisational Capacity Assessment (BOCA), demonstrating its commitment to continuous improvement and global best practices.

Beyond emergency services and training, volunteers fostered inclusion and wellbeing through initiatives such as Integration Cafés, the Traveller Mental Health Day, senior citizen engagement, and partnerships with Dundalk Meals on Wheels.

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The branch’s work was supported by community generosity through church gate collections, bucket collections, and Christmas fundraising. Dundalk Red Cross continues to welcome new volunteers—adults and youth alike—who wish to contribute to first aid, youth leadership, or community programs.

As 2026 approaches, the Dundalk Branch remains committed to expanding its training programs, increasing community services, and deepening its engagement with diverse community groups.

For more information on volunteering or accessing services, contact secretary.dundalk@irishredcross.com or youth.dundalk@irishredcross.com.