A LOCAL volunteer who has worked with people who have intellectual disabilities at the Daughters of Charity St Joseph’s Centre, Clonsilla, for over 40 years is being hailed as a real local hero.
Breed McMahon was shortlisted for a national award at the Better Together Charity Hero awards held last month and although she didn’t get the top prize she’s still a champion to everybody who knows her.
Breed volunteers close to and often over 40 hours a week and is involved in all aspects of life at St Joseph’s Centre.
She works on a one-to-one basis with ladies who have a severe disability and has a special way with service users with autism, communication difficulties, behaviours that challenge and mental health issues.
The tireless volunteer was nominated for the Better Together award by Daughters of Charity volunteer co-ordinator, Rhoda Judge, who described her as
“our hero
?.
“Breed embodies what it is to truly give selflessly to another person,
? said Rhoda.
“She volunteers over 40 hours per week and expects nothing in return. Breed always values the person as a unique individual. She is very person centred and respects the wishes and choices of the women she supports.
“Her relationships are based on equality and trust.
?
Breed organises and takes service users at St Joseph’s on weekly day trips and accompanies them on hospital appointment, which can often be very daunting to a person with an intellectual disability.
She also manages the centre’s shop and maintains contact between service users and their families, especially those family members who due to illness or advancing age are no longer able to visit in St Joseph’s.
But it’s all in a day’s unpaid work that she loves for Breed.
“My life would not be complete but for my involvement in volunteer work,
? she said.
Before becoming a volunteer, Breed worked for Daughters of Charity as a nurse, and used her annual leave to take the ladies she worked with on holidays.
When she retired Breed decided she wanted to continue to do something that mattered. And with years of practical experience behind her, becoming a volunteer at St Joseph’s seemed natural.
She’s been described by colleagues and relatives of service users as selfless, exceptional, kind hearted and happy.
“She is and always will be our charity hero,
? said Rhoda