Limavady woman on her love for volunteering

Teasie McLaughlin started volunteering with LCDI as a way to give her the drive to get out of bed and the house each day after she was diagnosed with breast cancer and the death of her husband, Gabriel.

The mum-of-eight says it’s the best decision she ever made.

Speaking to the ‘Journal’ after a special celebration event for volunteers, Teasie said: “I was on my own and I had time on my hands. I decided I wanted to do something good for somebody else. I saw it advertised that LCDI needed volunteers. That was 10 years ago.”

Teasie said she initially thought she’d volunteer for a couple of years, but it became such a valuable part of her life, she’s still volunteering today with the ‘Meals on Wheels’ service, two days a week.

In the past decade she has become one of the most reliable volunteers, who has never missed a day. She says the service is “a lifeline” for those who receive meals.

“I’ve met so many nice people and I know the meals and having that contact with me means an awful lot to them. They’re very appreciative and, for some of them, it’s the only contact with another human that they have. It’s a lifeline,” she said.

Teasie says on average just over two dozen meals a day are delivered. She says volunteering has made her realise how lucky she is, especially when she goes to homes where people are on their own and have no one. She plans to keep volunteering as long as she’s fit.

Ashleen Schenning from LCDI Volunteer Centre says the work of Teasie and other volunteers is “immeasurable”.

“Teasie is very reliable, she never lets you down and I think Teasie is an example of why volunteering is so worthwhile.

“It’s a win-win situation for everyone.”

To find out how to volunteer call LCDI on 028 777 65438.