International Volunteer Day is a global day that takes place every year on 5th December. It gives us a chance to recognise, thank and celebrate volunteers across the world. Over 1 million people in Ireland volunteer. They are the backbone…

Jill Lyons, Communications and Marketing Manager with Breakthrough Cancer Research, tells us about mother and daughter volunteering duo Trish Larkin and Eimear Tynan and how the Volunteer Ireland Awards help charities give back to their volunteers. In December of last…

Matt Cullen, Volunteer with Swords Tidy Towns has volunteered for over 40 years. Last year, he was named Volunteer of the Year 2015. He tells us what winning the award meant to him and why he thinks volunteering is so…

Mary O'Leary was one of a handful of Irish volunteers at last month's Rio Olympics. Having volunteered as a Games Maker at London 2012 she wasn't going to miss the opportunity to have another unique experience. Here, she shares her…

The Fairtrade movement in Carlow has been one that first found its roots back in 2004 with Carlow becoming a recognised Fair Trade Town in 2007. Actively creating awareness around the benefits of supporting Fairtrade and how the people of…

I started volunteering because I wanted to give back! I have always had a deep interest in people and my own personal experiences drove me to look for volunteering opportunities that would have a direct impact on the lives of…

Geraldine Warde has been a Volunteer leader with Moore Foróige club in South Roscommon for the last 2 years, a role that she greatly enjoys.  I was approached by the club's current leader seeking my interest in becoming actively involved…

Born in Manchester to Irish parents, John moved to Dublin some 30 years ago. After a long career working in building and land investigation, John retired in 2012 and shortly after found his way to the Clondalkin office of South…

Brent Pope is a New Zealand born rugby player,  professional rugby coach, and  one of Irelands best known and respected media personalities. He has given his time for many charities over the years. Here he tells us why he gives his time and…

Kathy is a key member of the volunteering family in Donegal and in 2015 received a ME4U Recognition Award for her service from Donegal Volunteer Centre. This is her story. What inspired me to get involved with volunteering was when…