Volunteers praised for 'phenomenal' efforts
The work of volunteers across the county, and nationally, is being recognised this week as part of National Volunteering Week and people are being urged to share their stories.
The event officially kicked off this week with the launch of How Irish Communities Stepped Up To The Mark: Stories Of Irish Volunteering During COVID-19. This collection of stories showcases the impact of volunteering on all corners of society in recent months.
According to Maria O'Sullivan, Cavan Volunteer Centre, manager: “Volunteers in Co Cavan have been nothing short of phenomenal this year and that’s why we felt it was important to showcase their efforts and celebrate their achievements during National Volunteering week. From delivering shopping, making face masks or phoning those in isolation for a simple chat – volunteers made sure no-one was left behind."
This week, in Cavan, the efforts of volunteers working for SOSAD Cavan and the Beckscourt Centre in Bailieborough were formally recognised by the local centre.
Maria explained more: "Volunteers working for SOSAD continue to selflessly give their time to help those through a very difficult period while volunteers working for the Beckscourt Centre have worked tirelessly to deliver meals for their local Community in Bailieborough.
"Groups like the Irish Cancer Society, Cavan Civil Defence and Cootehill Town team, to name just a few scaled up their volunteer programme quickly to deliver vital services with support from the network of volunteer centres. Across the county, young and old alike wrote letters to residents in nursing homes who couldn’t receive visitors. In every community, volunteers made a difference."
Speaking during National Volunteering week, the Minister of State for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien, added: “This week is all about volunteers and this collection of stories showing the impact of volunteering in recent months is another way of highlighting the tremendous work that has been done. Take time for yourself and remember that this week is all about you and your well-being.”
Organisations and volunteers across County Cavan are being encouraged to share their own stories of volunteering on social media during the week using #NVW2020. For further information and to share your story , contact the Cavan Volunteer Centre team on info@volunteercavan.ie or call 086-0387236.