Louth volunteers celebrate integration

Louth Volunteer Centre recently recently host an event honouring migrant volunteers who live and volunteer across the county and those volunteers who have supported integration.

Many nations were represented on the night of celebration that included a beautiful four-course meal provided by the great staff in the Monasterboice Inn.

As part of the celebration an informative and emotive video was created and launched on the night, which had rich interviews with migrant volunteers and from those who have worked alongside migrant volunteers in Louth.

It illustrated the many benefits of volunteering for both the volunteers themselves and to Louth’s many villages and towns.
Volunteers spoke of how they have volunteered in a variety of roles, which include clearing mountain trails, stewarding at events, and planting initiatives at local hospitals.

They’ve gotten to know the culture and humour of local people and local people have gotten to know more about so many cultures through volunteering together, a Louth Volunteer spokesperson said.

The camaraderie and warmth in the room was evident, with volunteers spontaneously getting up to speak, sharing how much volunteering has enriched their lives.

Olivia Conlon, Acting Manager of Louth Volunteer Centre, said: “It was a wonderful night for all.

“Louth Volunteer Centre were delighted to have the opportunity to celebrate and thank the volunteers that have put so much time and energy into their community over the last year and who have supported integration.

“We were delighted on the night to be joined by Richard Hanlon, Chairperson of Louth Volunteer Centre Board who thanked the volunteers for their outstanding efforts and enthusiasm for volunteering in the county they have come to live in.

“Louth Volunteer Centre would like to extend a big thank you to Donegan’s for the beautiful meal and service, to local representatives for supporting and promoting migrant volunteerism in the county and to its own staff for supporting migrant volunteers to get involved in volunteering, to organisations in Co. Louth that involve volunteers and most importantly to all our volunteers who make everything Louth Volunteer Centre does possible.”

If you are interested in getting involved in volunteering or know anybody that might, you can signpost them towards Louth Volunteer Centre’s website www.volunteerlouth.ie.

You can also drop in to the Drogheda office on Bolton St (the old Motor Tax Office) and the Dundalk office which is located on the grounds of County Hall. All details are on their website and across their social media sites.