Louth volunteer honoured at Vision Ireland’s Vision Star Awards
Kate Karpenko from Vision Ireland’s Ardee Store Wins the Happy Whisperer Award
Vision Ireland’s inaugural Vision Star Awards took place last month, recognising the invaluable contributions of volunteers across the country, including in Louth.
Among those honoured was Kate Karpenko from the Vision Ireland store in Ardee, who was awarded the Happy Whisperer Award for her exceptional ability to spread joy and foster positive connections within the local community.
Vision Ireland is dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or vision-impaired to overcome barriers to independence and participation in society. Through its retail stores, advocacy, and services, Vision Ireland works to create a world where people with visual impairments have the same opportunities, rights, and choices as others.
The Happy Whisperer Award celebrates volunteers who uplift the spirits of those around them through genuine engagement, kindness, and positivity. Vision Ireland says Kate’s friendly presence and ability to connect with both customers and her fellow volunteers have made her an essential part of the Ardee store, bringing warmth and happiness to everyone she meets.
Kate Karpenko expressed her joy at receiving the award, saying, "I am so thrilled and honoured to receive the Happy Whispered Community Award. Volunteering at the Ardee store has been an amazing experience, and it’s incredibly rewarding to be able to bring a little happiness into people’s lives."
Danielle McDonagh, Louth Area Manager, praised Kate’s dedication and the event itself, saying, "Kate truly embodies what this award is all about—spreading joy and positivity. She has made such a significant impact at the Ardee store, and we’re all so proud of her. The Vision Star Awards have been a fantastic celebration of our volunteers, and it’s wonderful to see their contributions being recognised."
Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer of Vision Ireland, highlighted the crucial role volunteers play, stating, "Our volunteers are the core reason that Vision Ireland can reach the 296,000 people living with visual impairment or blindness across Ireland.
"It is through their commitment, passion, and dedication that we can offer our essential services. This event is crucial to remind our volunteer heroes that everyone in services recognises and deeply appreciates everything they do."
The Vision Star Awards marks the beginning of an annual tradition for Vision Ireland, celebrating the dedication and commitment of its volunteers. For those interested in volunteering and making a difference, Vision Ireland offers many opportunities to get involved. Learn more at https://vi.ie/supporting-us/volunteer/ or call into your nearest Vision Ireland store for a cup of tea and a chat.