#RNLI - As previously reported on Afloat.ie, the RNLI has kickstarted its festive season with the launch of the charity’s popular Reindeer Runs in Dublin and Cork.
Returning to Marlay Park in Rathfarnham on Sunday 6 December, the Dublin leg of this well-established event will raise funds to help volunteer crew at Skerries, Howth and Dun Laoghaire lifeboat stations to continue to save lives at sea.
TV presenter, author and adventurer Teena Gates will be present on the day to start the run and lead the participants in the popular ‘Rookie the Reindeer Warm-Up’.
Speaking at the launch for the Dublin Reindeer Run, Gates said she was "thrilled to once again be supporting the RNLI Reindeer Run in Marlay Park. Having been involved with this event for a few years now I would urge people to sign up and help raise funds for a great charity that is close to my heart.
"The RNLI has been saving lives at sea off the Dublin coast for generations. Their volunteer lifeboat crews are ordinary men and women who do extraordinary things to save lives and prevent disaster.
"None of us in Dublin live very far from the sea and we never know when we or someone we love will need their help, so here is a wonderful way to support them. Get signed up and come over to Marlay Park and spread a little Christmas cheer for the lifeboats."
Volunteer crew member Stephen Mullaney from Howth RNLI added" "Last year, RNLI lifeboats in Dublin launched 137 times, bringing 185 people to safety. While the figures show that our lifeboat crews are busy all year round some of our most challenging call outs will occur over the winter months.
"However, having the support of people who so generously fundraise and sign up to take part in events such as the reindeer run, means that we can avail of first class training and equipment and be ready to answer the call and help someone in need when our pagers go off."
The reindeer run caters for all abilities and ages with participants choosing from a 5km or 10km walk/run, a 3k option for juniors or a shorter Santa Saunter.
For anyone who can’t participate in the event but would like to come along and soak up the atmosphere, there are a number of volunteer marshalling roles to be filled. To get involved please contact RNLI community fundraising manager Pauline McGann at 087 997 4038 or email [email protected]
