Last year the IMTA promoted  Massage Awareness Week (12 - 18 October)  with an nation-wide campaign and invited all members to support this ambitious undertaking.

Our main focus for the week was a  “Caring for the Carers” campaign organised in conjunction with the Carers Association (http://www.carersireland.com/). It  involved IMTA therapists volunteering their time and offering 30-minute treatments to carers who give so much of their time, energy and love to members of their families, with little recognition. The main aim was to give something back to the carers, in addition of course, to raising the profile and awareness of the IMTA and the importance of massage and touch in people’s lives.

We had 18 Centres  "Caring for the Carers" during the week.  Venues included:   Athlone, Bray, Blanchardstown, Carrickmacross, Castleblayney,  Dublin (3 venues), Gort,  Kerry (3 venues),  Kilkenny, Navan, New Ross, Tullamore and Tramore.

Our aim was to give massage treatments to 300 carers and to raise €3,000 for the Carers Association. Click here for reports and pics from some of the Centres. As you can see, we exceeded our target.

Total amount raised :  €4,130.00      Total Carers 'cared for' : 338

In some  regions with no Carers Association presence, IMTA Regional Officers took  the iniative to organise events for carers in their local communities.  Our therapists also attended a Bollywood Night in the Glenview Hotel, Co. Wicklow (16th Oct.) and raised €400 for the Hope Foundation and their work with the street children in Calcutta.

We are delighted with the response from our therapists and, by all reports and accounts, the carers were thrilled with their time out and pampering.   Amazingly, many therapists seemed to get as much, if not more, from giving their time and expertise to the carers.

This just goes to show how much can be achieved when minds, hearts and bodies come together with a common goal.

Roll on Massage Awareness Week 2010 !