Nominations open for Irish Red Cross national volunteer awards 2025

Do you know an Irish Red Cross volunteer in Leitrim who goes above and beyond for their community? Now is the chance to give them the recognition they deserve.

Nominations are now open for the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2025, which celebrate the dedication, compassion and commitment of the 4,000 volunteers working across 73 branches nationwide.

“These awards are our chance to shine a light on the people who show up,” said Deirdre Garvey, secretary general of the Irish Red Cross. “They show up for the big moments – supporting families in Creeslough, helping flood victims in Cork, or reaching isolated communities during Storm Éowyn. But they also show up for the ordinary Tuesday evenings, teaching first aid in community halls, delivering groceries to elderly neighbours, or providing first aid cover at the local football match. These awards are our chance to show up for them.”

The awards are open to anyone who volunteers with the Irish Red Cross. That might be a first aider who trains weekly and provides cover at matches, festivals and community events, or a rescue volunteer who braves the elements day and night to search for missing people on mountains and lakes. It could be a community support volunteer who quietly helps elderly neighbours with groceries or medical appointments, or someone who teaches lifesaving skills in schools and community halls. It might even be an entire branch, such as those who have helped welcome and support families fleeing conflict in Ukraine and Gaza, organising integration events and helping people rebuild their lives.

There are eight categories in total, including volunteer of the year, young volunteer of the year, community support volunteer of the year, unit member of the year, instructor of the year, branch of the year, newcomer of the year and the lifetime achievement award.

People in Leitrim are encouraged to nominate the Red Cross members they feel have made a real impact locally. Nominations close on Tuesday, September 30th at 5pm, and the winners will be honoured at a ceremony in Croke Park, Dublin, on Saturday, November 29th.

To make a nomination, visit www.redcross.ie/nva , where you’ll also find tips on writing a strong submission.

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