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Volunteer Kildare

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07Jul

Kildare Volunteer Centre Awards 2025

7th July 2025 David Hand Frontpage Article, News 594

In a joyful return to its roots, Kildare Volunteer Centre hosted a special celebration at Newbridge Town Hall to mark both National Volunteering Week and the Centre’s 20th anniversary of community service. The event honoured the incredible contributions of volunteers and volunteer-involving organisations from across County Kildare.

“This is our favourite time  of the year,” said David Hand, Manager of Kildare Volunteer Centre. “To celebrate these amazing individuals and organisations in Newbridge, where our journey began 20 years ago, makes it extra special. The legacy Kildare’s volunteers are leaving behind will ripple through generations. Congratulations to all our winners and nominees — thank you for building stronger communities with us.”

Throughout the past few weeks, Kildare Volunteer Centre staff travelled across the county to meet this year’s awardees, capturing stories of inspiration, impact, and community spirit. The theme for National Volunteering Week 2025 is “Building Community Together” — a message deeply reflected in every honouree’s story.

The ceremony, attended by community members, dignitaries, and leaders, featured awards presented by Cathaoirleach Kevin Duffy of Kildare County Council.

2025 Volunteer Awards – Honouring Kildare’s Volunteers

Volunteer of the Year – Sandra Byrne
For over eight years, Sandra Byrne has been the heartbeat of Leixlip Youth and Community Centre. Her commitment, warmth, and leadership have made a profound difference in the lives of countless young people and their families. Described by nominators as “the heart of the centre,” Sandra received overwhelming recognition from staff, parents, and peers alike for her unwavering dedication.

Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award – Aileen Kelly
Aileen Kelly has given nearly four decades of service to Leixlip Arch Club, having been involved since its founding in 1987. From committee leadership to simply being there to offer tea and a listening ear, Aileen has done it all — not for recognition, but because she genuinely cares. Aileen’s legacy of compassion and inclusion will forever be embedded in Leixlip Arch Club.

Volunteer-Involving Organisation of the Year – Newbridge Family Resource Centre
This Centre is woven into the fabric of Newbridge life. Generations have passed through its doors as children, teens, and now parents. Under the stewardship of Centre Manager Ellen and her team, the centre continues to thrive through the efforts of its dedicated volunteers, building on a legacy of heart, resilience, and local pride.

Board Member of the Year – George Hackett
George Hackett has served as a board member of Ashgrove Residents’ Association in Derrinturn for over 20 years. His leadership has led the community to multiple Pride of Place and Climate Change awards. George is a tireless advocate for inclusivity, wellbeing, and innovation — always seeking new ways to improve life for residents, especially the vulnerable and isolated.

Community Event of the Year – Vision Ireland’s Vision Start Awards
This community-driven event wasn’t just an awards ceremony — it was a movement. With over 900 nominations, 150 volunteers in attendance, and 50 charity shops represented, the Vision Start Awards captured the essence of what happens when local hearts and hands come together. A resounding celebration of everything volunteering represents.

Junior Volunteer of the Year – Áine Sheeran
As Chairperson of Milltown Foróige, Áine Sheeran leads with empathy and determination. She is active in national leadership programmes, sits on the Youth Reference Panel, and still finds time to volunteer in Lourdes, serve as a Meitheal leader, and act as Head Girl. Her commitment to service makes her an inspiring role model for her generation and beyond.

Community Volunteer of the Year – Mary Brady
Mary Brady has been a steadfast presence in the Community Volunteers programme since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her dedication in testing and vaccination centres, coupled with her generosity as a mentor to new volunteers, has made her a linchpin of the initiative. Her calm presence and dedication exemplify the spirit of community volunteering.

Pathway Award – Said Abdi Ali
Arriving in Ireland in August 2023 with little English and no network, Said quickly found his path through volunteering. Today, he’s a trusted member of Kildare Community Volunteers and a leader within the Somali community in Kildare. His resilience, leadership, and drive to integrate and support others is nothing short of inspirational.

Special Recognitions

Valentyna
At 96 years old, Valentyna is one of the most inspiring members of the Kildare volunteer community. Displaced by war in Ukraine, she embraced volunteering as a way to contribute meaningfully to Irish life. From participating in Centre projects to knitting over a dozen sensory TwiddleMuffs for those living with dementia, Valentyna is a true embodiment of grace, purpose, and the power of human connection.

Helen Mulhall
This year, Helen completed her term as chair of Kildare Volunteer Centre, a term served with unwavering dedication. Always available, always calm, and always volunteering her time, Helen’s leadership guided the Centre through many milestones, including receiving the National Volunteer Centre Quality Award. Her legacy will be felt for years to come.

 

Get Involved

Whether you’re looking to volunteer or hoping to recruit volunteers, Kildare Volunteer Centre is here to help. Volunteering builds stronger, more connected communities — and there’s a place for everyone.

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02Jul

Become a part of Kildare’s Community Volunteers

2nd July 2025 David Hand Frontpage Article, News 523

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

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02Apr

Kildare Volunteer Centre Awards

2nd April 2025 David Hand News 332
It’s nearly our favourite time of year!! The time where we help the people of Kildare say thank you and provide recognition to some of the wonderful volunteers and organisations who make such a difference to our communities.
Nominations are now being accepted for our annual Volunteer Awards. You can submit your nominations here https://forms.gle/ZbKoXtAjozYZpRAg7
The Categories this year are
1) Volunteer of the Year
2) Volunteer Involving Organisation of the year
3) Board Member/Trustee of the Year
4) Junior Volunteer of the Year (Under 18)
5) Community Event of the Year
6) Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award
The deadline for nominations is 5pm on April 30th.
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02Apr

Now Hiring P/T Adminstrator

2nd April 2025 David Hand News 571

Vacancy: Part-Time Administrator

Contract & Hours:

  • Part-time: 17.5 hours per week
  • Fixed-term: 1-year contract (subject to funding)
  • Salary: €15.25 per hour
  • Location: Kildare Volunteer Centre, Kildare Community Development Centre, Kildare Town

Reporting to: Kildare Volunteer Centre Manager

About Kildare Volunteer Centre

Kildare Volunteer Centre is a dedicated organisation committed to supporting and promoting volunteering across County Kildare. As part of the national Volunteer Centre network, we connect volunteers with meaningful opportunities and help organisations develop strong volunteer programmes.

We provide:

  • For Volunteers: Personalised guidance, access to volunteering opportunities, and ongoing support.
  • For Organisations: A free volunteer placement service, best practice advice, training, and garda vetting.

About the Role

We are seeking an organised and motivated administrator to support our small team and ensure the smooth operation of the Centre. This role is ideal for someone with strong administrative skills and a passion for community engagement. While this role is primarily office based some travel may be required from time to time.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide comprehensive administrative support to the Centre Manager and other staff as required.
  • Act as the first point of contact for inquiries, handling emails, phone calls, online registrations and in-person interactions.
  • Logging all interactions within the CRM system.
  • Assist with communications, including website and social media updates.
  • Support the planning and coordination of volunteer-related events and training sessions.
  • Maintain and update volunteer and organisational records in the CRM system, ensuring data protection compliance.
  • Manage office supplies and handle orders as needed.
  • Carry out additional administrative tasks as required.

What We’re Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and database management.
  • At least 3 years’ experience in an administrative role (volunteer sector experience is a plus).
  • Strong organisational and time-management skills with the ability to multitask.
  • Understanding of data protection regulations and record-keeping best practices.

Desirable Skills:

  • Experience using Salesforce or a similar CRM system.
  • Experience with WordPress

Personal Attributes:

  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong customer-service mindset.
  • High organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks effectively with excellent attention to detail
  • Self-motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic about community development and volunteerism.
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
  • High level of integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.

How to Apply

Interested? We’d love to hear from you! Please send your CV and a cover letter to David at David@volunteerkildare.ie

  • Closing Date: April 16th 2025
  • Interviews: April 23rd 2025

Join us in making a difference in County Kildare! 💙

Kildare Volunteer Centre is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sectors of the community. We are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with respect and provided equal opportunities to thrive.

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01Apr

Kildare Volunteer Centre Strategic Plan 2025-2030

1st April 2025 David Hand News 587

We are developing a new Strategic Plan (2025-2030) to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of volunteers, not-for-profit organisations, and the broader community. As these needs change, it’s essential that we adapt and remain relevant in supporting those we serve.

To build this plan effectively, we need your insights. If you are a not for profit in Kildare your input is invaluable in helping us understand the current challenges and priorities of volunteers, organisations, and the community in general.

We would greatly appreciate it if you could take just 5 minutes to complete our quick survey below:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/JYRL73C

Your feedback will directly shape our future direction, and we sincerely appreciate your time and support.

Thank you for being a valued part of this process.

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24Jun

Kildare Volunteer Centre Awards 2024

24th June 2024 David Hand News 540
A celebration to congratulate all the volunteers and volunteer involving organisations and to mark the contribution of volunteering to the community was held at a special ceremony in Renehan Hall on the Maynooth University Campus on Thursday 30th May.
Kildare Volunteer Centre travelled throughout the County meeting the winners for this year’s awards and documenting their commitment and contribution to their community. This year’s National Volunteering Week theme is ‘Uniquely Us’.
David Hand, manager of Kildare Volunteer Center says “we were delighted with the overwhelming response to the call for nominations with over 150 nominations, and a such a difficult task for the judging panel there were joint recipients in some categories. Our huge congratulations to the winners, and a special word of commendation and thanks to volunteers around the County and volunteer involving organsiations who we are proud to work with throughout the year.”
The award winners were presented with a commemorative trophy by Cathaoirleach Daragh Fitzpatrick of Kildare County Council.
This year’s winners are:
Volunteers of the year:
  • Pa Carey (Leixlip) brightens up his estate and community with a magical Christmas lights extravaganza on his house for visitors and neighbours to enjoy and to raise funds for charity. He hand-makes his decorations all year round and even has Santa come to visit.
  • Monasterevin businesswoman Jacinta Kenna has volunteered on parent’s school groups, in the community centre, the Christmas Lights, Women’s Shed, Streetfest, Monasterevin Youth Action to name but a few! Any local activities that are organised, you can be sure to find Jacinta at the heart of it. Along with Sharon Hanly, she runs The Peoples Market (which she also founded). This non-profit group runs a seasonal craft market (Easter, Summer, Halloween and Christmas). Each time they transform the community centre canteen into a community cafe serving handmade treats, with all the proceeds going into the next market. They run raffles for charity and will also provide the cafe for any large events that need it.
Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award
  • Angela Lane is a retired nurse and lifetime volunteer having acted as a volunteer counsellor for decades. She volunteers with Kildare Alzheimers, local women’s groups, food markets and hosts AONTAS events. Angela also shares knitting and crochet skills with international refugees and asylum seekers in Newbridge.
Volunteer Involving Organisations of the Year
  • North Kildare Carers Support Group provides support, love and cares to for carers and their families. It is where carers can find comfort and knowing that they are not alone. It invites professionals to give important talks relating to social, family and health issues. It also balances carers lives by organising relaxing and fun events. To many carers, this organisation is the second family to them. The support they provide is so important for families struggling with the many issues involved in caring for a loved one.
  • Leixlip Youth and Community Centre provides a safe place for people of all ages to go. Somewhere babies, children, teenagers, adults, and elderly can go to socialise and share interests. It is a wonderful place to have in our community run by fantastic, friendly staff and volunteers.
Board Member of the year
  • Kate Monks has been a leader in her local scout group in Kilcullen for almost 10 years and was selected for her support to the younger sections and a super back up to all leaders throughout the group. Kate has always been there for parents, leaders, and the scouts. She is recognised for her inspiration to other leaders and keeping the group motivated, as well as her diligence and management as group treasurer.
Community Event of the Year
  • Kildare Wildlife Rescue held the First Kildare Biodiversity Conference was held on 14th October 2023 in The Keadeen Hotel in Newbirdge. Funded with the support of Kildare County Council, this unique event was organised by KWR volunteers and attended by over 100 guests, most of them volunteers of multiple Kildare-based community groups and organisations working towards improving biodiversity in the county.
Community Volunteer of the Year
  • Angela Tracey is one of the original members of the Community Volunteers, having been involved in their activities in covid vaccination centres and test centres even since before the group was officially formed. Angela is a regular volunteer and this year also stepped forward to take on additional training to make the programme more accessible and inclusive.
Pathway Award
  • Aoife and Cáitlin (KARE) Aoife Cully  and Cáitlin Reilly are the first participants from the new partnership between KVCs community volunteers and KARE services to put their hands up and become active members of our community volunteers. Aoife and Cait joined the Community Volunteers in 2024 and have completed their volunteer training and are fully involved in all the community volunteer events and activities. They are specially commended for their courage and community spirit in taking the step forward to become community volunteers, paving the way for others.
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16Oct

One Million Stars Project

16th October 2023 David Hand News 525
We are delighted to be facilitating volunteers to take part in the One Million Stars Project
The One Million Stars Project is a community arts project, connecting communities all across Ireland against domestic abuse and all forms of violence. Each eight-point star woven represents light, hope and solidarity against violence.
Last week we were weaving stars in Ballymore Eustace with displaced Ukrainian People, where over 80 stars were made. On the 18th and 25th of October between 10am and 12pm we will be in Leixlip Youth & Community Centre weaving more stars.
If you would like to join us and contribute to the goal of making one million stars in Ireland you can just turn up on the day at Leixlip Youth and Community Centre, no pre-registration required
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13Oct

Christmas Robin Workshop

13th October 2023 David Hand News 390

On the 19th and 26th October between 10am and 1pm some Ukrainian Volunteers living in Kildare will be meeting here at Kildare Community Development Centre to make some Robin Christmas decorations. These hand made Robins will then be donated to Kildare Wildlife Rescue for them to sell in the lead up to Christmas to raise vital funds for a great local charity.
The workshops are open to everybody from every background and are completely free. They are a teaching workshop, so if you would like to learn this skill, make some new friends and help a local charity you are more than welcome to come along and get involved. You can contact Ivanna on Ivanna@volunteerkildare.ie to register. It’s okay to come to one or both workshops!

The Christmas Robin is the idea of Tetiana Husieva who had this to say about her inspiration for this
“I generally like to create things that make the person who receives them feel warm and smile. And when you hold a bird in your hands, tenderness and a sense of unity awaken in your soul, because both the bird and our soul can fly, albeit in different ways. I chose the colors for the birds so that they were native to both Ukrainians and Irish. Somehow. We want people to believe in the best, which came to us even in such cute little things.”

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03Oct

Kildare Volunteer Centre Awards Night 2023

3rd October 2023 David Hand News 349
Kildare Volunteer Centre hosted a special awards event in March 2023 at the Council Chambers in Aras Chill Dara. The event was to celebrate and mark the huge work of volunteers across Co. Kildare in the past year. Cathaoirleach Fintan Brett was there to thank the volunteers for their selfless dedication to the community and to present the awards.
Manager David Hand who marked one year as Centre Manager acted as MC for the night, and described the work of each of the volunteers who were nominated for awards, and what their impact has been for their peers and community. Tributes were read out to those nominated and to their families who support them to keep going.
The Awards were presented to:
Volunteer Involving Organisation of the Year – North  Kildare (Leixlip) Arch Club
Volunteer of the Year – Bernie Morley (Red Cross)
Volunteer Led Response – Maynooth University, in partnership with Helping Irish Hosts, Irish Red Cross and Kildare Community Volunteers
Community Volunteer of the Year – Joint Award to Arthur Voigh and Terry Coyne
A special award was presented to Victor Purcell on the night to mark his 10 year anniversary with Kildare Volunteer Centre as a volunteer office team member. Victor also volunteers with the Moat Theatre and Gerard Manley Hopkins Festival and it was a well deserved award to mark his contribution to the community.
The event was hosted in partnership with Kildare County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development
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14Sep

Covid-19 Volunteer Recognition

14th September 2022 VK2022A News 331

Regional events took place all over Ireland last Summer to acknowledge the contribution of local volunteers in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kildare volunteers turned out in force for a memorable evening of music and celebration at the Keadeen Hotel in Newbridge.

Four groups awards were presented (Punchestown Vaccination and Test Centre Volunteers, Naas Order of Malta, Athy Community Spirit and Naas Food Bank) along with 17 individual awards across a wide range of community and voluntary groups.

Award winners received a personal letter of thanks from Taoiseach Micheál Martin and a unique commemorative badge.

Our sincere thanks to everyone who organised, attended and participated in this very special event. It was wonderful to be in a room with all of you again to share stories and mutual respect. We hope you enjoyed your evening. You deserve all of this and so much more

This event was funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and held in partnership with Volunteer Ireland and Kildare Volunteer Centre.

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Kildare Volunteer Centre

Opening Hours
9.00am – 5.00pm Monday to Friday

Kildare Volunteer Centre, Kildare Community Development Centre,
Meadow Road, Kildare Town, County Kildare

☎ 045 – 449156
✉ info@volunteerkildare.ie

CRO 411237
Registered Charity Number 20200083

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