Keadeen Hotel, Newbridge – 29 January 2026

Kildare Volunteer Centre (KVC) marked 20 years of connecting volunteers with communities across County Kildare at a celebration on 29 January. The event also saw the launch of KVC’s Strategic Plan 2026–2031, setting an ambitious course for the future of volunteering in one of Ireland’s fastest-growing counties.

The celebration brought together volunteers, staff, board members, local not-for-profits, and key stakeholders. Minister Jerry Buttimer and local Minister Martin Heydon delivered remarks, alongside local TDs and councillors.

Jerry Buttimer T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, said:
“Volunteering is the backbone of strong, resilient communities… Kildare Volunteer Centre has played a vital role in the community and made a tangible difference to people’s lives. The Centre’s new Strategic Plan reflects a deep understanding of local needs and a clear commitment to supporting volunteers and community partnerships.”

“This plan has been developed through the voices and contributions of volunteers, community organisations, partners, and stakeholders across our county,” said Luiz Pinto, Chairperson of Kildare Volunteer Centre.
“It reflects both the resilience and diversity of volunteering in County Kildare, while acknowledging the realities of a county that continues to grow and change at pace.”

Over the past 20 years, KVC has supported thousands of volunteers and hundreds of organisations, earning the National Quality Standard for Volunteer Centres in 2024 and providing crucial support during the COVID-19 pandemic and Ukrainian refugee crisis. Between 2023 and 2024 alone, KVC registered 1,409 new volunteers and supported 28,451 volunteer hours across the county.

The Strategic Plan 2026–2031 focuses on:

• Expanding inclusive volunteering opportunities for young people, older adults, migrants, and people with disabilities.

• Strengthening volunteer-involving organisations through training, governance support, and best-practice guidance.

• Developing partnerships aligned with public health, social inclusion, and environmental priorities.

• Demonstrating the social and economic value of volunteering through improved measurement.

“This plan is a testament to the collective wisdom and shared vision of the community it serves,” added Pinto.

📄 You can find the full Strategic Plan on our About Us Page

This year marks a very special milestone for Kildare Volunteer Centre—20 years of service to our communities. Since first opening our doors in 2005, we have been dedicated to connecting people who want to volunteer with organisations that need their time, energy, and skills.

Over the past two decades, thousands of volunteers have made a difference through our centre—strengthening communities, supporting local charities, and helping to create a more inclusive and connected Kildare.

As we celebrate this important anniversary, we are also looking ahead. In the coming weeks, we will host a special event to reflect on the achievements of the past 20 years and to launch our new 5-Year Strategic Plan, setting out our vision for the future of volunteering in Kildare.

We would be delighted for as many people as possible to join us in this celebration. Event details will be announced shortly—please keep an eye on our website and social media channels for updates.

Here’s to 20 years of volunteering, and to the next chapter in our journey!

Kildare Community Volunteers is a programme where the roles are short term and ad hoc, allowing you to volunteer in a way that both suits your lifestyle and benefits your community.

You will get a chance to volunteer in unique once of community events. Some of the recent events our Community Volunteers have been involved in Brigid1500 events, Junefest in Newbridge and Bealtaine Festival.

You will undertake unique volunteer training with Kildare Volunteer Centre and become a part of our team. You can get involved as often or as little as you like, when it suits your schedule.  You do not have to commit to specific hours every week, they are once off events.

Becoming a Community Volunteer is a great opportunity to get involved in your community and become a part of a core team of volunteers in Kildare. It’s a chance to learn about your local area, meet new people and develop new skills.

For more information about becoming a community volunteer email our Community Volunteer Coordinator John at John@volunteerkildare.ie or call on 0868646698