Donegal Volunteer Centre honours outstanding people and community groups

The Donegal Volunteer Centre celebrated the exceptional efforts and dedication of local volunteers from across Donegal at its Annual Volunteer Awards.

The Ndlovu family, Qaphelisa, Menvelly, Jeanette, Julia and Justice who received a special award with John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre and Padraic Fingleton, CEO DLDC. Photos Clive Wasson.

The ceremony took place recently in the Radisson Blu Hotel in Letterkenny.

Organised by the Donegal Volunteer Centre, the aim is to recognise individuals and projects that have made a significant impact in their local community. 

MC for the event Eamonn Bonner was full of praise for the people who came together from across Donegal for the awards ceremony. 

“It is very humbling being here when you see all these people and what they do around the county,” he said. 

Mr Bonner also acknowledged the great contribution of many people who have made Donegal their home in recent years, often because of conflict in their homeland.

Patsy McGonagle, Chair of Donegal Local Development Company (DLDC) which manages the Donegal Volunteer Centre, said: “Community groups and volunteers hold this country together. The people in this room deserve to be awarded as they saw a need and put their hand up to help. On behalf of DLDC, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the volunteers who continue to make Donegal a better place for everyone.”

The Volunteer Awards serve as a reminder of the immense impact that volunteers and their projects can have on society. Their selfless dedication and commitment inspire others to take action and make a positive difference in their own communities.

John Curran, Manager of Donegal Volunteer Centre, said: "We are immensely proud to honour the exceptional volunteers and projects that have made a lasting impact in our community. Their selflessness and dedication inspire us all to be agents of positive change”

The awards saw 45 individual volunteers recognised for their outstanding contribution.

Mr Curran continued: “The Volunteer Awards celebrate their remarkable achievements and serve as a reminder of the power of volunteering to transform lives. We extend our deepest gratitude to all the winners and volunteers who continue to make Donegal an inclusive and thriving place for all."

Family Award 

The Ndlovu family were honoured with a special recognition award. Since the Ndlovu family arrived in Ireland from Zimbabwe last year, they have volunteered at many events, regularly work in St Vincent De Paul and clean Letterkenny every Sunday as a family for Letterkenny Tidy Towns.

MC for the awards ceremony Eamonn Bonner told those gathered: “Every Sunday morning, the five of them do the Sunday litter collection on Letterkenny Tidy Towns. 

“The adults of the family work in the Vincents Shop. The family took part in Africa Day. They really make their time count in their community.”

“There is special thanks from Letterkenny Tidy Town and Vincents for the contribution they make.”

Group Project Winners

This year’s awards honoured several outstanding projects that have demonstrated exceptional commitment and dedication to serving the Donegal community.

Six project groups won awards with a further eight project groups receiving commendations from the judging panel. The winning groups received a beautiful trophy and Shop LK vouchers to the value of €400.

Among the winning projects was Donegal Town based watersports club, Donegal Dragons. The club was acknowledged for their incredible achievements as a breast cancer survivor and supporters club, made up of a vibrant and all-inclusive team of volunteers. Club founder Deborah Bonner also received a commendation in her own right.

The Malin Head Heritage Group was honoured for its remarkable contributions to preserving and promoting the rich cultural heritage of the Malin Head area.

Maghery Senior Social Club was recognised for its invaluable support and companionship to the elderly members of the community.

The Sunflowers Guitar Ensemble, made up of Ukrainian children who are taught daily to play music by Ukrainian volunteers, was also honoured. The music is a way for the children to relax, learn a new skill, and forget about the war in their homeland.

LYFS Letterkenny, Ukrainian Craft Group volunteered their time and talents to produce knitted and beaded craft gifts to donate to Team Hope, Day Care Centre and community centres across Donegal. They were also among those who won an award.

The Finn Valley Family Resource Centre received an award for the crucial role it plays in providing vital support and resources to families in need in the Twin Towns area, supported by volunteers. Their range of services includes counselling, education, and parenting support.