'Acts of kindness': Call for Longford people to nominate local humanitarian heroes
Nominations now open for Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2026 and Longford people have been urged to celebrate and recognise their local Red Cross volunteers.
A leading charity has called on people of Longford to nominate their local humanitarian heroes and recognise them for ‘small acts of kindness’.
Nominations are now open for the Irish Red Cross National Volunteer Awards 2026.
This is a chance for Longford people to shine a light on the extraordinary Irish Red Cross volunteers across the county who provide reassurance, comfort and practical support in communities across Ireland.
The Irish Red Cross has 3,400 members in 71 branches across Ireland who train and volunteer to ensure communities have access to relevant and timely supports to help them prepare for emergencies, respond when they happen and recover in a way that makes them more resilient.
Now in their tenth year, the National Volunteer Awards celebrate the commitment, compassion and hard work of Irish Red Cross volunteers who generously give their time for the betterment of communities across Ireland.
Secretary General, Irish Red Cross, Deirdre Garvey said, "Showing up is what our volunteers do best.
"Whether it's a storm, a flood or another emergency that's turned someone's world upside down, our volunteers are there with practical help and a steady hand.
"But they are also there at the more everyday events, which is also so important - running a local first aid class, checking in on someone living alone, welcoming a family into a new community, or standing by with first aid skills at the local match."
Last year’s National Volunteer Awards celebrated volunteering across the length and breadth of the country.
Some of those awarded included Tim Kelleher of Clonakilty, Cork who was named Volunteer of the Year for 17 years volunteering with the Irish Red Cross.
Other volunteers honoured included Limerick City who took Branch of the Year for the incredible dedication of its 167 members, who covered 66 events and ran over 150 training sessions in 2025 and Isabella Nordon of Dundalk Branch who was named Young Volunteer of the Year, and recognised for volunteering since the age of four.
Ms. Garvey added, “You don’t have to have responded to a major emergency to make an extraordinary volunteer.
Sometimes it is years of small acts of kindness and service that have the greatest impact.
“Last year’s winners showed us the incredible range of volunteering happening within the Irish Red Cross. If an Irish Red Cross volunteer has made a difference to you, your family or your community, share their story.
"A nomination is a simple but powerful way to say thank you.”
To nominate a person or group people can logon to: www.redcross.ie/nva to nominate an Irish Red Cross Volunteer today.