Boots Ireland has announced a volunteer programme with the FAI to deliver medicines to vulnerable patients across the country. Boots has been actively supporting local communities across the country with a focus on supplying patients and customers with the prescriptions, advice and the medicines they need. Recognising that social isolation poses many challenges for people, and that a little bit of kindness can go a long way, Boots Ireland has also announced that it is working closely with FAI to have medicines delivered to vulnerable patients all over the country.

Boots Ireland and the FAI have an existing three-year partnership with the Republic of Ireland women’s national team aimed at boosting confidence in girls and women. This new programme of activity will see over 30 FAI Community Development Officers volunteering their time, five days a week, to help Boots deliver prescription medicines to vulnerable patients and customers who may not be able to access their pharmacy for reasons such being in a vulnerable group, cocooning, etc, bolstering the work already underway with many local authorities.

To avail of the service, patients or a family member simply need to call their local Boots pharmacy for more information. A store locator for contact details can be found here.

Caoimhe McAuley, Director of Pharmacy at Boots Ireland commented, “Pharmacy is at the frontline of providing health care in local communities and we want to do all we can to help our patients, customers and colleagues through this very difficult time. We are proud to work with the FAI Community Development Officers who have so generously volunteered their time in supporting vulnerable people in their communities. We are also encouraged by the level of kindness out there, whether it’s through organisations like the FAI, through our local authorities and also through our suppliers, who continue to support initiatives we have underway to help our patients, customers and colleagues at this time.”

Interim FAI CEO Gary Owens said, “This is a brilliant initiative by Boots and one which the FAI are delighted to support. Our Development Officers are at the very heart of sport in their communities and this programme offers them an opportunity to help those feeling the effects of the lockdown in a real and practical way. I applaud our Development Officers for their participation in a wonderful initiative from our partners at Boots.”

FAI Medical Director Alan Byrne said, “The current COVID-19 pandemic has made such an impact on the day-to-day lives of so many. This programme will be a great benefit to those in lockdown who simply cannot get out to collect their prescriptions. I applaud Boots and the FAI for the initiative, and I thank all the Development Officers who are giving their time and energy to this programme.”

Republic of Ireland Captain Katie McCabe said, “It’s really inspiring to see communities coming together at this challenging time and it’s great to see the FAI Community Development Officers volunteering to assist Boots with looking after those who need it the most.”

To avail of this service through Boots Ireland, please call your local Boots pharmacy www.boots.ie.