Donegal volunteer inspired by her father is nominated for national competition

A Donegal volunteer who generously gives her time to a vital centre has been nominated in a national ‘giveback’ competition to recognise unsung heroes.

Shauna Cooney was nominated in The BIG Christmas Giveback for her voluntary work to support St John Bosco Centre in Donegal Town, a community hub that was built in 1959 and provides a range of services for all ages in the community, including boxing, bingo, pickleball, swimming lessons, squash, Bosco Productions and car boot sales.

“Shauna gives a huge amount of her time to the SJBC in Donegal Town,” said Caroline Connolly, who nominated Shauna in the competition. “First set up by Shauna’s dad, the St John Bosco Centre is a vital venue in the community for everything from birthday parties to plays and even funeral refreshments, there is nowhere else in Donegal Town that can host as many people.

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"There is something for everyone, from all walks of life, and it’s Shauna that coordinates it all. She is never off duty when it comes to the Bosco Centre and taking enquiries for all manner of bookings and events. She never complains about the workload on top of running her own business.

“I think sometimes we don’t appreciate the unsung heroes in our community, like Shauna, who just quietly get things done. Shauna is the kind of person who will have something done before you’ve even realised it needs doing, and it would be lovely to see Shauna win this competition and the gift card prize. The Donegal Town Gift Card is a great wee card. We gave it as a gift for someone retiring at work and you can shop anywhere.”

The Donegal Town Gift Card is backing The BIG Christmas Giveback, which aims to give back to people and organisations this festive season, asking for nominations for local people, community groups and organisations in Donegal Town and beyond who are having a positive impact in their community.

Shauna said it was her dad’s influence that encouraged her to volunteer: “My father was a founding member and one of the trustees of the St John Bosco Centre. I am part of the committee and have been involved in the centre for the last 16 years.

"When we were children, we were in the St John Bosco Centre most days and it became a part of our lives. Dad passed away some time ago and I became a trustee of the centre when I joined the committee. I’m currently the treasurer, in my third year of post. In the last 16 years we’ve completed a raft of improvements, which ensures the comfort of all who use the centre.

“The centre is open seven days a week with so many different clubs, societies, shows and events it would be hard to list them all. We have a big crew of volunteers who give their time because they want to keep the centre open as a safe, happy place for the community to socialise. Volunteering is something I enjoy, yes, it can mean long days but we all have a great laugh. I think everyone should consider volunteering, even if it’s just a few hours a week, it could make a huge difference to the town, local charity or organisation.”

The person or organisation with the most nominations in the competition will win a €1000 Town & City Gift Card, such as the Donegal Town Gift Card, with one person who nominated them winning a €500 gift card.

Gareth Britton from the Donegal Town Business Focus Group, who delivers the Donegal Town Gift Card, said: “The Bosco Centre is incredibly important in our community and Shauna consistently and generously gives her time to ensure this vital venue is available as a place to connect as a community.

"We’re proud of the work Shauna does for the community and encourage everyone to vote for Shauna, and any other people or organisations in Donegal Town who deserve recognition for the work they do.”

The Donegal Town Gift Card is part of the award-winning Town and City Gift Card concept from fintech Miconex, active across Ireland.

Colin Munro is the CEO of Miconex and said: “Congratulations to Shauna for her nomination in The BIG Christmas Giveback, a competition that aims to shine a light on the positive work happening in our communities. The competition is open until the November 28, so nominate today for your chance to win a share of €1500 in Town & City Gift Cards, such as the Donegal Town Gift Card.