volunteers

National Volunteer Week is a week-long celebration of volunteering that takes place from Monday, May 15 to Sunday, May 21. Each year across Ireland, National Volunteering Week features a range of events that showcase all that is great about volunteering, from yoga to coffee mornings and seminars.

The North Dublin coastal town of Skerries might not be the first place that comes to mind when we think of areas in Ireland that have issues with transport. However, as Patricia Cassidy of Local Link points out, public transport is only accessible for those who can walk to the nearest bus stop or train station. Recognising the need among Skerries’ older population for a safe, reliable and affordable door-to-door service, the town’s community car initiative was established in November 2019.

“I had thirteen children hanging out of my car one time and the guards stopped us. ‘Where are ye going?’ one of them roared. Luckily, one of our team managers was a guard – he said ‘Do no more about it. He’s taking children off the road.’” – recalls Billy Grehan. Above: Billy and Margaret attending a match.

"My time volunteering is mostly spent in the ICU, cleaning hedgehog homes and doling out regular feedings to birds." - Grace Barrett reports on her visit to Ireland’s first wildlife hospital, in Meath.

The drive to volunteer can come from anywhere. For Larry Masterson, it was something he was already committed to, but his volunteering took him in a new direction after he suffered a stroke.

At a South Dublin County Partnership open day, one speaker highlighted the impact local volunteers can have.

Last year (2018), the 11th annual Volunteer Ireland awards honoured a dozen people for their voluntary contributions, but who took home what prizes?

In November 2018, community and voluntary sectors representatives descended on Cork to honour their best and brightest at the Pride of Place Awards.