Local events for National Volunteering Week
National Volunteering Week May 20-26
The theme of year’s National Volunteering Week (May 20-26) is ‘Uniquely Us’ and there is a focus on exploring the diversity of volunteers who make Ireland what it is.
Among the local events area volunteering information coffee morning in Mullingar Library on Tuesday 21 May (10am-1pm) hosted by Westmeath Volunteer Centre.
On Wednesday May 22, Westmeath Volunteer Centre are supporting Kilbeggan Tidy Towns with a new community volunteer initiative.
On Thursday May 23, staff from the centre are hosting a volunteering information coffee morning in Athlone library (10am-1pm).
Westmeath Volunteer Centre will have a stand at the Athlone Careers Fair for Migrant Women in St Kieran’s Community Centre, Tormey Villas, Athlone, on Friday May 24, (9.30am-1pm) supporting the volunteer group. This event aims to establish a dialogue among migrant women and will showcase any vacancies, volunteer opportunities, or graduate programmes.
On Saturday May 25 Westmeath volunteers will be supporting the Athlone African Community for the Africa day Celebration in Burgess Park, Athlone (1-8pm).
Sharon Timothy, new Westmeath Volunteer Centre coordinator, said: “We believe that celebrating, not just accommodating, the uniqueness of our volunteers makes our communities stronger and more connected.
“No matter your age, race, abilities, or status, we want to celebrate your place in the community and the volunteering that you, uniquely, do.
“National Volunteering Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate all things volunteering, whether you are a volunteer, are thinking about volunteering, or want to appreciate the impact volunteers have on our lives.”
National Volunteering Week and partner Healthy Ireland share a vision of healthy, sustainable communities.
Minister of State for Public Health, Wellbeing and the National Drugs Strategy, Colm Burke, TD, said: “Volunteers across Ireland in all walks of life make an invaluable contribution to society and National Volunteering Week is an opportunity to acknowledge their commitment.
“Individually, volunteers play a significant role in enriching the lives of others by giving their time and skills.
“Collectively our rich network of volunteers all around the country has a transformative effect, making all our communities stronger, more connected, more inclusive and more uniquely us.”