Time to reward the volunteerism of Laois

Never has Community spirit and voluntary effort been so important and valuable, in sustaining all of our communities through what has been a very difficult and trying year. 

Laois County Council, in conjunction with Laois Public Participation Network, wishes to recognise community organisations and individuals who work tirelessly in their community through the Laois Community and Voluntary Awards 2022.

The Laois Volunteer Centre is delighted to come on board for a second year after sponsoring the special Covid-19 response award in 2021. Also returning is the People First Credit Union while the Leinster Express is media partner.

The purpose of the annual awards, now in their 13th year, is to 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 communities.

2022 marks a change in the awards. This year, the categories have been refreshed, to give more people an opportunity to enter. 

The Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr. Thomasina Connell, launched the 2022 Laois Community & Voluntary Awards.

“I am pleased to announce the creation of the new categories. There are so many selfless individuals throughout the county, who freely give up their time, to help those within their community. These awards are a brilliant way to recognise the tireless work they do,” she said.

Chief Executive of Laois County Council, John Mulholland, is also a big supporter of volunteerism.

“The willingness to volunteer is amongst the most noble of personal traits. It puts others before    yourself and represents a selfless act of kindness to others in our community.

“These past  two years or so have seen volunteerism at its best and volunteers throughout County 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.

Nina Horan, Chairperson of Laois PPN, began by quoting Sherry Anderson. “Volunteers don't get paid, not because they're worthless, but because they're priceless.”

Ms Horan continued: “To volunteer of your time is an intriguing act of selflessness. It signifies obvious qualities such as empathy and benevolence. However, when you drill down, it is actually also about proactivity: volunteers not only see a need in their community, they act to do something about it. That is what makes the substantive difference in the lives of others.

"We all benefit from this unique and dynamic combination of characteristics, whether directly or indirectly. 

“For instance, from enjoying local St Patrick’s Day parades, through to the work of organisations such as The Tidy Towns, our lives are brightened, and our environments made prettier. The benefits cannot be overstated.

“It is true volunteers and community group members don’t get paid. Nevertheless, it doesn’t mean we cannot award their pricelessness. So, Laois PPN in conjunction with Laois County Council is delighted to play a part in singing their praises at the 2022 Laois Community and Voluntary Awards. Whose song will be sung?  Nominations are now open!”

Caitriona Ryan is the Manager of the Laois Volunteer Centre which is sponsoring one of the new awards.

“Laois Volunteer Centre is delighted to work with so many young people who volunteer their time, energy and skills to a diverse range of community and voluntary groups around the county. It is important to recognise and support our young volunteers who bring fresh ideas, new perspectives and energy to so many organisations. 

“Young people who so generously give of their time and skills now are likely to take on important leadership roles in the future. They should be encouraged so that their skills can be developed and their talents grown. In so doing, they will go on to inspire and empower their peers to become involved in their local communities.  

”I would also urge young (and not so young!!) people and community groups to get in touch with our centre by logging onto any of our social media platforms on Facebook and Instagram or at www.volunteerlaois.ie,” she said.

Seán Dunne, CEO, People First Credit Union said: “As a community embedded volunteer driven   organisation, People First Credit Union are delighted to be associated with the Laois Community & Voluntary Awards 2022. We have hands on experience of the time, effort and dedication given by Volunteers to better their communities. And we strongly believe these efforts should be acknowledged and rewarded. Thank you for your work.”

Pat Somers, Leinster Express and Laois Live Editor, said it was an honour to be media partner in such important awards. "Volunteers are the lifeblood of local communities and their selfless work deserves due recognition. The Leinster Express is privileged to play its part in honouring the tireless work that goes on in local communities."

Award categories: 

Sports  Award: It focuses on groups or schools, who have focused on physical health, increasing the number of people participating in the sport, particularly those with a low participation rate.

Best Kept Residential Area: This award recognises the hard work and dedication shown in residential areas throughout Laois, recognises the great pride people have in their own communities, recognise the value of our biodiversity and continue to put in a huge effort, on behalf of the places where they live. 

Health and Wellbeing: This award recognises community  health  and wellbeing initiatives i.e mental health, sexual health, awareness raising & promotion around medical conditions, disorders and disabilities, including  opportunities for social connections, increased meaningful daily activities, developing confidence and providing a sense of purpose  & positive self-worth for citizens in the community.

Arts, Culture & Heritage: Recognises groups/organisations who enhance their local areas, by conserving, protecting and promoting the arts, culture and heritage of their local community through collective creative activities.  Examples include: drama, music, literature, arts, festivals, conservation, and heritage.

Social Inclusion: Recognises groups/organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities and whose aim is to minimise social exclusion and/or help to improve the quality of life for socially excluded groups.  Examples include: working with the elderly, people with disabilities, ethnic minority, Travelling Community, young people in transition, LGBTI+ and the homeless.

Junior Volunteer of the Year: This award recognises the outstanding contribution young people throughout the county, have made to their local Community. Every community has individuals who are boundless in their energy and determination to get things done.

Unsung Hero: One of the most anticipated awards each year, goes to an individual, who the judges believe puts in such effort that they can be regarded as somewhat of an Unsung Hero, for the work they do. 

Each group and individual nominated will be presented with a Certificate acknowledging their contribution to the community and voluntary effort in Laois. There will also be award winners and runners up across a range of categories. 

The winner of each category will receive €500, while the runner-up will receive €250

Individuals can be nominated for the Junior Volunteer of the Year and Unsung Hero Awards 

So, go ahead and get nominating your local community and voluntary groups and individuals.

Nomination forms are available online at www.laois.ie www.ppn.ie and www.peoplefirstcu.ie

Remember the date!!  

Closing Date for receipt of Nominations is 29th July, 2022 at 4.00pm

The awards launch was attended by Pamela Tynan, A/Senior Executive Officer, Laois County Council, Dan Bergin, Laois PPN Resource Worker, Laois Public Participation Network, Caitriona Ryan, Manager, Laois Volunteer Centre, Cllr Thomasina Connell, Cathaoirleach, Laois County Council, Pat Somers, Editor, Leinster Express / Laois Live, Carol Murphy, Marketing & Business Development Executive, People First Credit Union, Portlaoise, Donal Brennan, Director of Services, Laois County Council, Anne Marie Kirrane, A/Administrative Officer, Laois County Council.