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Joe O’Brien, Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, hosted an event on Thursday 19 May to acknowledge the enormous contribution made by volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic, and thank them for their invaluable work and supports during a very difficult time.
Speaking at the event, Minister O’Brien said:
“The event I am hosting today, in collaboration with Volunteer Ireland, is in recognition of the vital role played by volunteers during the pandemic. Throughout the pandemic, volunteers around the country ensured that the most vulnerable and hard to reach members of our community were supported. Their contribution, no matter how small, was absolutely crucial when so many of our population were isolating. Back in March 2020, the country was called on to step up and the response by volunteers was staggering. Thousands of volunteers in communities across Ireland came forward to provide help. Their good will, generosity and selfless hard work meant that that we could work together to successfully support the most vulnerable members of our communities during the pandemic. Volunteers, fulfil an extraordinary role. They show us that when times are hardest, the best of us show up, ready to help. I thank each and every person who stepped forward to help, for your dedication, and for your magnificent contribution.”
Research, carried out by Volunteer Ireland, has found that 75% of people volunteered in some way during the COVID-19 restrictions. This is a strong indicator of the generosity and determination of the people of Ireland to share, to be a part of communities and to benefit others.
Mr Peter O’Brien, who volunteered with the Aviva test and vaccination centre, said:
"The reasons people volunteer are as diverse as the individuals who respond to a call to action but one thing we all have in common is that we feel we have something to offer.”
Earlier this year, the Minister of State launched the Volunteer Ireland nomination web portal to accept nominations from relevant organisations of volunteers who made a contribution to their community during the pandemic. Volunteers nominated through the portal attended the event in Dublin Castle, as well as events in counties around the country, being held to honour their work during the pandemic.
In line with the National Volunteering Strategy, the events highlighted the unique value and contribution of volunteers to Irish society. It was an opportunity for Government to acknowledge how important volunteering is to the well-being of our communities, and in particular the enormous impact volunteers had during the last two years.
Nina Arwitz, CEO of Volunteer Ireland, added:
“We are delighted that after over two years apart, we are now able to celebrate the contribution of volunteers in response to the pandemic in person. The volunteers being recognised today went above and beyond to make sure no members of their community were left behind. From delivering shopping and prescriptions to supporting the national vaccination effort, volunteers were at the heart of our response to COVID-19. As we move to a brighter future, it’s important to take stock and acknowledge their incredible achievements.”
The winners of a primary school art competition held by the Department of Rural and Community Development, in association with Volunteer Ireland, attended the event in Dublin Castle. The overall winner of competition was Ms Nora Doe of St Paul’s National School in Sligo. Her artwork has been used to commission a commemorative badge which acknowledges the contribution of volunteers during the pandemic.
Funding has been provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development to facilitate Local Authorities and/or Volunteer Centres across the country to hold events to celebrate the contribution made by Volunteers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Events were held in 14 counties across the country on 19 May, with others scheduled to take place in other counties over the weekend and in the coming weeks.
Minister Humphreys attended the volunteer celebration event held in Monaghan.