Leitrim communities invited to nominate volunteers for national award

Nominations are now open for the 2023 Volunteer Ireland Awards and the public is being invited to nominate volunteers in their community across eleven categories, with one volunteer set to be named Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year at the ceremony in December. The Volunteer Ireland Awards take place annually and celebrate the immense contribution volunteers make to communities across Ireland. Nominations can be made at www.volunteer.ie.
Josephine Stroker, Leitrim Volunteer Centre Manager, said: “Volunteers are involved in all sectors of society and make an impact  in all of our lives, although we may not always notice it. While volunteers never look for recognition, these awards are an opportunity to say thank you for the incredible contribution they make in our communities and shine a light on their achievements for all to see.”
The 2023 Volunteer Ireland Awards are made possible thanks to sponsorship from leading biotech company Regeneron, the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and award partners Healthy Ireland.

Minister for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Hildegarde Naughton, said: “Healthy Ireland is very happy to have Volunteer Ireland as a key partner in our work to help people to improve their physical and mental wellbeing. Social interaction is crucial for good mental health and a growing body of research indicates strong links between community
involvement, volunteering and emotional wellbeing. We are proud to support the Volunteer Ireland awards which are a great way to recognise the fantastic work being done by so many dedicated volunteers across the country.”

This year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards will take place in Limerick on 2 December.
 
About Volunteer Ireland   
Volunteer Ireland is the national volunteer development organisation and a support body for all local Volunteer Centres in Ireland. Our vision is an Ireland where volunteering thrives. Our mission is to promote, support and advocate for excellent, accessible and inclusive volunteering. For further information, visit: http://www.volunteer.ie/.
Anyone can nominate a volunteer, and the eleven categories are: arts, culture and festivals, campaigning and activism, children and youth, environmental and animal care, health and wellbeing, safety and emergency services, social inclusion and community support, sports and recreation, small group, large group and volunteer manager.
 
All individual awardees (except Volunteer Manager) are eligible for the overall Christine Buckley Volunteer of the Year Award. Nominations close at midnight on Sunday, 8 October and can be made online at www.volunteer.ie.