More time to put the spotlight on volunteering in Laois

Laois communities are being invited to take advantage of the extension of the deadline to nominate people and organisations who they believe deserve to have their voluntary work in the community recognised.

Laois County Council and its award partners have set a new closing date for submitting your nominations for the Community & Voluntary Awards 2023 is Friday, August 4 at 4 pm.

Laois County Council says these awards acknowledge groups and individuals who, through their commitment to voluntary and community activities, have played a significant role in enhancing the quality of life in their community.

The awards are held in partnership with the Laois Public Participation Network and sponsored by People First Credit Union. The Laois Volunteer Centre is also supporting while the Leinster Express Laois Live is the media partner.

The Categories for this year are:

- Arts, Culture & Heritage Sports

- Climate Action

- Best Kept Residential Area

- Social Inclusion

- Health & Wellbeing 

- Junior Volunteer of the Year Award in association with Laois Volunteer Centre

- Unsung Hero 

You can complete the attached nomination forms and send them to this email address, or you can contact the council with your address and they will post you a paper application form to you, and also you can submit your nomination online at this address https://consult.laois.ie/en/content/unsung-hero-award-community-voluntary-awards-2023

The Chief Executive of Laois County Council, John Mulholland, is giving his full backing to the awards because of the importance he places on volunteering.

“These past few years have seen volunteerism at its best and volunteers throughout Co Laois have been magnificent in what they have provided to our community by way of assistance, support or just simply being there and being ready to help people in need.

“Volunteers have a great track record to make time to give to others in a diverse range of services, be it fundraising, helping neighbours or maybe organising local events for the betterment of their communities.

“Each year the Community & Voluntary Awards Event rightly celebrates and acknowledges the significant and highly valued role that volunteers play in our communities and Laois County Council is pleased as ever to host the event," he said.

For further information on the terms & conditions, please call  057 86 64236 or email awards@laoiscoco.ie