JANUARY 2006

RNLI APPEAL TO SAVE LIVES AT SEA

RNLI are appealing to people across Ireland to wear their trainers to help save lives at sea. Friday 27th January 2006 is 'Save Our Soles' SOS Day. Funds raised from the event will go towards training the RNLI's volunteer lifeboat crews who give up their time and risk their safety to save lives at sea.

For a minimum donation of €2 people are being asked to forego their normal footwear and pull on a pair of trainers to support the men and women who risk their lives at sea to save others. Schools and workplaces around the country will be encouraged to wear their trainers in return for a donation to the RNLI. Special limited edition RNLI SOS laces are also on sale and will liven up any pair of trainers or shoes.

Mary Newman, National Fundraising & Communications Manager with the RNLI in Ireland said, "There are 43 lifeboat stations around Ireland and they have crews of volunteers on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week". Today less than 10% of new volunteer crew members come from a professional maritime background so specialist training is vital. The average cost of training one crew member each year is almost €1,500. The RNLI rescue on average three people a day in Ireland. SOS day is a way of raising funds for this very worthy charity."

RNLI SOS Day information packs are available by telephoning 01895 1800.

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