Men of Action: ‘Wherever there is a need the Irish are there’

Hurricane Sandy has meant that Christmas will be a difficult time for many families. But once again everyday heroes in New York have been mobilised into helping those affected.

Shocked by the scenes of devastation and humbled by the help the victims have been receiving from volunteers, we decided to take action.

The IrishCentral news group organised a Day of Action, on November 24th, where volunteers came together to help clear the wreckage from the affected areas. On December 15th, they arranged a second and we stepped in to help transport the volunteers to the damaged homes.

The second Irish Day of Action saw groups of volunteers split across the city to offer aid. About 400 volunteers piled onto the buses that we have sponsored and traveled to Beach 95th Street and Cross Bay Parkway. Upon arrival, they split into ‘different task groups’ and started to clear the remaining rubble in the affected areas.

We’re very proud to have had the opportunity to be a part of this day. Supporting these volunteers has meant a great deal to us and seeing these people take action is very inspiring. It reminds us of The Wild Geese^® and why we celebrate them.

Other volunteers congregated at PS 104 Bays Water in Far Rockaway, where they quickly formed an assembly line to build, fill and wrap shoeboxes for victims of the hurricane. This was part of the New York Irish Center’s shoebox appeal. They packed shoe boxes with toys and treats for children. A Rockaways local Deirdre McShane summed up the feeling of this unity:

‘Everyone was so pleasant and happy. I am still in awe. When you see the goodness in people, it’s amazing’

Irish Consul General Noel Kilkenny, who organised the volunteer task forces, gave the day perspective. As The Wild Geese^® knew, difficult circumstances are thrown at us, but as Kilkenny pointed out, ‘wherever there is a need the Irish are there’.

You can read more coverage of how we are helping the Hurricane Sandy Relief effort in the link below
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Wild-Geese-Irish-Soldiers-and-Heroes-Whiskey-lend-a-hand-in-Irish-Day-of-Action-after-Hurricane-Sandy-183485461.html

In North America THE WILD GEESE^® Irish Whiskey is sold under the brand name ‘THE WILD GEESE^® Irish Soldiers & Heroes’.