Nominations are now open for the 2022 Volunteer Ireland Awards and the public is being asked to submit nominations for Ireland’s ‘Volunteer of the Year’. The Volunteer Ireland Awards take place annually and celebrate the immense contribution volunteers make to communities across Ireland. Visit www.volunteer.ie to nominate a volunteer for a Volunteer Ireland Award.

Kildare Volunteer Centre Manager, David Hand, said: “These awards give us the opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary kindness and generosity of Kildare’s volunteers. As we emerge from a pandemic during which volunteers provided crucial supports, volunteers are once again selflessly stepping forward, this time in welcoming and supporting displaced Ukrainian people in communities across Ireland.
“But it’s not just in times of crisis that Kildare’ volunteers make such an outstanding impact. All year round, volunteers are the beating hearts of our community – caring for animals and the environment, helping with sports and cultural events, and supporting the wellbeing of others. The Volunteer Ireland Awards give us a chance to say thank you by celebrating the invaluable contribution volunteers make to Irish society.”

The 2022 Volunteer Ireland Awards are made possible thanks to the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development, and award partners Healthy Ireland.

This year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards will take place in Dublin in December.