What Happened to the Spirit of Collection Day?

What Happened to the Spirit of Collection Day?

Before 2014, Collection Day wasn’t just an event — it was a community effort. Volunteers came through Park House with buckets, stories, and real heart. People like Rita McArdle held it all together, often with little help, making phone calls herself just to get enough support.

Buckets went to regional offices, then local supervisors who made sure the cash was logged and the buckets emptied before returning — sometimes weeks later. It wasn’t perfect, but it was honest, and we trusted each other.

Since Collection Day was outsourced in 2014, that spirit feels lost. A private company runs it now — but who checks the buckets? Who returns the forgotten notes? Does anyone still care like Rita did?

If the D15 HQ won’t listen, I’ll keep writing. I’ll keep sharing the truth and remembering the people who made it work.

Because this was never just about buckets.

#SpecialOlympicsIreland #CollectionDay #VolunteersMatter #RitaMcArdle #GrassrootsSupport #DublinCharity #RememberingParkHouse #SpeakingUp

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