Dovida Partners with Lions Clubs Ireland to Launch Life-Saving Initiative

Dovida, a prominent home care provider in Ireland, has joined forces with Lions Clubs Ireland to enhance safety for vulnerable individuals this festive season. The collaboration focuses on the “Message in a Bottle” initiative, which aims to ensure that essential personal and medical information is readily accessible during emergencies, potentially saving lives.

This year, Dovida has contributed to the production of 50,000 bottles, marking the largest distribution yet for the project across Ireland. The initiative enables recipients to store crucial information in a simple, easily accessible format, allowing caregivers and emergency responders to quickly obtain necessary details in the event of an accident or health crisis at home.

Lions Clubs Ireland, which comprises nearly 100 clubs and around 2,000 members nationwide, operates under the guiding principle of “We Serve.” With Dovida’s support, the distribution of these life-saving bottles will more than double compared to last year, significantly expanding the project’s reach within local communities.

How the Initiative Works

Participants in the Message in a Bottle project receive a durable plastic container, a personal information form, and two self-adhesive green crosses—one designated for the front door and another for the refrigerator. After completing the form, participants place it back inside the bottle along with a copy of their medical prescription, which can be obtained from their pharmacy. The filled bottle is then stored in the fridge.

In an emergency, first responders can easily identify the green cross on the door, locate the bottle in the fridge, and access vital information swiftly. This streamlined process enables them to provide timely assistance, potentially making a significant difference in critical situations.

Who Benefits from the Program

The Message in a Bottle initiative primarily benefits the following groups:
– Older individuals and those living alone
– People with chronic or life-threatening conditions
– Individuals with disabilities
– Emergency responders, including paramedics, Gardaí, firefighters, and hospital emergency departments

Shane Jennings, CEO of Dovida Ireland, emphasized the importance of supporting vulnerable members of the community during the festive season. “As the festive season approaches, it’s essential to think of older people and those living alone,” Jennings stated. “At Dovida, we’re committed to supporting initiatives that make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Sponsoring the Message in a Bottle this year ensures that more individuals have a safety net in place during emergencies.”

Damian Carberry, Project Lead for Lions Clubs Ireland, highlighted the initiative’s critical role in saving lives. “Message in a Bottle is a simple yet critical time-saving device, enabling first responders to respond in an emergency situation quickly and appropriately,” Carberry explained. “Thanks to Dovida’s support, we can reach more people than ever before. Knowing that emergency services can access vital personal information quickly provides peace of mind for families and carers alike—especially over the Christmas period.”

The Message in a Bottle program is distributed free of charge by Lions Clubs Ireland to individuals across communities in the country. Those interested can connect with their local Lions Club or visit the official website at messageinabottle.ie for more information about securing a bottle.