Louth volunteers to be honoured at national awards
Louth Volunteer Centre have announced the shortlist for the 16th annual Volunteer Ireland Awards, with Michael Butler, and duo Freda Carville and Colleen Hardy from Louth shortlisted in the Arts, Culture and Festivals category.
Those shortlisted will be honoured at the national awards ceremony in Limerick in December, which celebrates the commitment and dedication of volunteers across Ireland.
With 38 nominees across 12 categories, the shortlist includes volunteers aged 15 right up to 80 and showcases the remarkable impact of volunteering across all sections of society. Representing 11 counties, the work done by nominees encompasses everything from animal rescue to mental health support and showcases the key role played by volunteers in supporting our communities.
Michael is a member of the Louth Community Volunteers, which is a programme that enlists a crew of volunteers to be on standby for events, festivals, or urgent community needs.
Over the last 15 months, Michael has been a charming presence at events like the St Patrick’s Day Parade, Lú Festival, and has assisted new arrivals to the Louth Community with energy and enthusiasm.
Michael took to volunteering quickly, and shares his love for the varied community activities with others.
His manager shared a story that even at his very first festival, he was taking new volunteers under his wing and providing support and guidance to people just getting started.
He is also a big advocate for inclusive volunteering and helps organisations understand how they can tailor volunteering opportunities to people with intellectual disabilities, like him.
Michael Butler from Louth has been shortlisted in the Arts, Culture and Festivals category
Colleen Hardy and Freda Carville have been volunteering with Artisans Dundalk for over thirty years where they teach weekly art classes. Here they challenge and nurture people across the community, including artists with disabilities, to embrace their creative side and express themselves.
“Creativity has a powerful positive impact on physical and mental health, and these classes have provided the community with immeasurable enjoyment” says one of their students.
"It is the warm and patient atmosphere that Colleen and Freda cultivate that is what really affects their students.
“They have a truly unique way of being able to identify each individual’s artist style and assist them to develop and nurture their techniques and bring out abilities in us that we didn’t know we even possessed,” says one.
“We are encouraged to reach further and fulfil our unrealized potential. I walk away from every class feeling like I have learned something new and created something unique.”
Commenting on the shortlist, Louth Volunteer Centre Manager Olivia Conlon said:
“I never cease to be amazed by the passion and dedication of volunteers across Ireland. The impact they have on our communities is incalculable, whether it’s bringing joy to the elderly through song, creating community gardens or supporting children who are sick in hospital.
“The 38 nominees on the shortlist are just a snapshot of the wide breadth and diversity of volunteering that happens every day. These awards give us an opportunity to recognise the passion and dedication of people like Michael, Freda and Colleen who give so much to others. I’d like to congratulate them and all of this year’s nominees.”