You are here Vodafone Ireland Foundation launches World of Difference 2010
What’s your calling? Have you ever wanted to pack in the day job and work for a charity? Vodafone Ireland Foundation offers you the chance to do just that. The World of Difference programme offers four people a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work for a charity of their choice with all expenses paid and a salary of up to €40,000. The judges — Claire Byrne, Ray D’Arcy, Roisin Ingle, Gavin Duffy and Vodafone Foundation Ireland’s Carolan Lennon — are now calling for entries before the closing date of Sunday 18th April.This year, Vodafone Ireland Foundation is introducing a public voting element. The judging panel will select three winners, as well as three finalists who will go to public vote to vie for the fourth and final space. Run through the World of Difference Facebook site, this will add an exciting and interactive element to the programme and also enable supporters of the nominated charities to get involved.
Working to breakdown the stigma associated with people living with HIV; providing educational support for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility; encouraging volunteerism nationwide; creating an entire new platform which enables people to donate loyalty points to their chosen charity. These are the inspiring directions that last year’s winners’ lives took, as they spent a year away from the “day job” and realised their passion. For those that have had always had the yearning to lend their talents to charity but haven’t had the time or the financial support, the World of Difference can really open up new opportunities.
Speaking at the launch, Vodafone Ireland CEO Charles Butterworth said: World of Difference has grown so much in the last three years, and we expect the standard of candidates to be stronger than ever this year. On behalf of Vodafone I am proud that we can provide four people a truly life-changing experience, as well as offering their chosen charity committed, passionate and highly qualified employees.”
World of Difference ambassador Alan Kerins took a leave of absence from his Galway hurling and physiotherapy career to volunteer in Africa in 2005. Since, he has started his own charity, Alan Kerins’ African Projects, which he runs full time. Kerins commented: “When I left Ireland to do charity work, it was the scariest, most exciting time of my life – but without doubt the most fulfilling. Being able to fully dedicate yourself to something that you are so passionate about is unlike anything else in the world. I strongly urge anyone who has ever thought, ‘Well I would if I could…’ to realise that through World of Difference, you truly can.”
World of Difference ambassador and Dublin footballer Alan Brogan added: “I’m delighted to support the Vodafone Foundation World of Difference Programme. It really is a fantastic opportunity for anyone who wants to work with a charity as well as being of massive benefit to the charities themselves. I have worked closely with Temple Street through my football career and cannot stress enough the importance of supporting charities, especially in these challenging times.”
Applications for the Vodafone Ireland Foundation World of Difference programme can be submitted online via the Vodafone Ireland Foundation website at www.vodafone.ie/worldofdifference or by finding us on the Vodafone Ireland Foundation World of Difference Facebook page. The closing date for entries is Sunday 18th April at 5.30pm.
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