Credit union distributed over 11m in 17 years
Mullingar Credit Union presented their annual major awards for this year at a presentation evening held in the Parish Community Centre on Friday June 5.
The sponsorship of community development organisations is undertaken by the Social and Cultural Committee of Mullingar Credit Union and is now in its seventeenth year. Its purpose is to give recognition to voluntary organisations that make a valuable contribution to the quality of life within our local community.
The work of the Committee and the awards it makes are detailed each year in the annual report of the Credit Union and at its Annual General Meeting where funding for the coming year is proposed and approved by Credit Union members.
Every year the Committee places advertisements in the local papers, the Credit Union Website and in the Credit Union Office inviting voluntary organisations to apply for grants for their projects.
Speaking at the presentation, Brian Gillen, chairman of the committee, paid tribute to all the organisations and their members who provide invaluable time and skills to their local organisation on a voluntary basis.
He spoke of the enormous response to the scheme over the years which, he said, gives the committee a deeper understanding of what is going on by way of vibrant, positive community development and volunteerism.
Mr Gillen informed everyone present that, as usual, the committee studied each and every proposal individually with great consideration.
A new standardised form was introduced this year to assist in this process.
“In 1998 we started with a limited fund of IR£5,000, this fund has grown each year and I am delighted to say that in 2015 we have a fund of €80,000 at our disposal.
“To date we have given out over €1,132,000 to voluntary organisations throughout our area.
“This year we have supported over 250 organisations working in a wide variety of projects such as community and social development, youth activities, the disability and active age sector and sporting organisations.
"I would like to thank the Board of Directors and the members of Mullingar Credit Union for their continued support and backing for the project”.
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