From Sweden to Athlone for volunteer

The commitment and dedication of volunteers was commended at the official opening of the Midlands Simon Community unit this week. But this commitment and dedication takes on an extra dimension when the person involved travels from another country to get involved with the work of Simon. This was the case for Emil Arleroth, who travelled from Falun, Dalarna, in Sweden last month to volunteer with the Midlands Simon Community for six months. Speaking to the Westmeath Independent this week about his journey to Athlone and his reasons for volunteering, Emil explained that he had been working as a cleaner in the hospital in his home city while also studying science, with an emphasis on environmental issues. He began chatting to an elderly lady who asked him his plans when he graduated. When he told her he would like to travel, either to the United States or Ireland, she told him her daughter had been working with the Simon Community in Ireland. She wrote out the details for Emil and the note was lying on his desk for about a year before he did anything about it. 'I asked people about Ireland and everyone had something positive to say. I also worked at a retirement home for half a year. I quit in December, but it"s the same vein of work,' he said. He explained that he applied for the fulltime volunteer position online and was vetted and interviewed before coming to Ireland on March 9 to work in the emergency accommodation unit in Athlone. 'I like working here,' he enthused. 'There are a lot of different tasks to do. I like meeting all of the people, it"s very fascinating to talk to them and hear their stories.' He added that he likes Athlone and described it as a sweet town that is actually quite big with a lot going on for a "small town". He particularly admired the Left Bank of Athlone and the Shannon and said he was amazed by the scenery and green hills when you travel out of the town a little.