Ireland Involved Awards Launched

Written by Ian O'Flynn

Tuesday, 11 August 2009 14:04

Volunteering Ireland launched this year's Ireland Involved Awards on Monday 27th July. Elaine Bradley, CEO of Volunteering Ireland, was joined by Claire Byrne from Newstalk and Marie Carroll, founder of Bayside Gymnastics and Irish Volunteer of the Year 2008, as well as a number of children from Marie's gym, along with Hugh Morris from Specsavers and Mark Phelan from BHP Insurance. The event in sunny St. Stephen's Green saw Elaine, Claire, Marie, Hugh, Mark and the kids playing with a giant parachute, posing with hula hoops and celebrating the launch of this year's annual scheme to recognise Ireland's volunteers.

Following the success of last year's inaugural awards campaign, this year's Ireland Involved Awards with primary sponsors Specsavers is looking for volunteers who donate their time and effort to make a difference to the lives of others. It is an awards scheme that makes a difference. It is about showcasing the work of volunteers across the country and celebrating Ireland’s volunteers!

Do you know someone who:

• Volunteers for a community group or charity on an on-going basis
• Contributes to the organisation in a meaningful and practical way
• Donates personal time for the benefit of others in an unpaid role
• Makes a difference in the community and world around them

Nominate someone today!

We will honour thirty individuals at an awards event on the 5th November, at a Dinner hosted by the Taoiseach’s Office in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. We will announce the ten overall category awardees and President Mary McAleese will present the award for the Irish Volunteer of the Year 2009. This event will celebrate the amazing work of all those who volunteer in Ireland. The Irish Volunteer of the Year will go on and represent Ireland at the European Parliament in Strasbourg. This international final is taking place in the French city on Saturday 5 December to coincide with International Volunteer Day.

For more information, please visit the Ireland Involved website.

Download the Ireland Involved launch press release!