Two Waterford groups announced as finalists in National Lottery Good Causes Awards

Two local organisations from Waterford have been announced as national finalists in the National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2023.

The initiatives being recognised at the awards are The Walls Project CLG, a social enterprise that delivers large scale public artworks to transform neglected areas; and Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, a voluntary based charity who provide a Search, Rescue and Recovery service along with Suicide Prevention Patrols and Flood and Swiftwater Rescues to the people of Waterford City and County and surrounding areas. 

The National Lottery Good Causes Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities. Nearly 30 cent in every €1 spent on National Lottery games goes back to Good Causes all over the country. 

Each of the 34 National Finalists will now receive €1,000 and proceed to the grand final in which there are seven categories: Arts & Culture, Community, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Irish Language, Sport and Youth. The winners will be announced at the awards ceremony which takes place on Saturday 21st October in Killashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare, where each of the seven category winners will receive €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will take home an additional €25,000. 

Andrew Algeo, CEO of the National Lottery, expressed his admiration for the Waterford finalists, stating, "On behalf of the National Lottery, I extend my warmest congratulations to the two Waterford National Finalists in the Good Causes Awards 2023. This prestigious recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment and hard work of the volunteers who have dedicated themselves to making a difference to the lives of others. Their contributions have transformed communities across the nation, touching the lives of individuals from all walks of life. From the smallest villages to the largest cities, these organisations have built bridges, provided opportunities, and offered support where it was needed most.”

The 34 National Lottery Good Causes Awards finalists are below. More information on the finalists and the National Lottery Good Causes Awards can be found at: https://www.lottery.ie/good- causes-awards/finalist 

Speaking at the announcement of the 34 National Finalists, Christopher O’Brien CEO, Irish Homeless Street League was delighted his nonprofit organisation had made the National Finals: “It's great news for everyone involved and a great opportunity to let people know about our leagues. At the Irish Homeless Street League, we believe ‘A Ball Can Change A Life’. Through our nationwide leagues we create positive change by empowering people with difficult lives to fulfil their true potential. We’re really looking forward to the big night out in October and taking a night off training with the team”.  

Chantel Pearse, goalkeeper with the Moyross branch of the Irish Homeless Street League, spoke of the impact being part of the team has had on her life: “It’s had a huge impact on my life. In my teenage years I struggled a lot with my mental health and life was very difficult for me, to the point where I ended up sofa surfing for a while. Since joining the Moyross team I’ve been supported in every way physically and mentally by my managers, teammates and supporters. In my personal life it’s made me work harder because I can see the achievements from perseverance. Everyone on our team is so accepting, because a lot of people have had the same struggles that they’re coming some from somewhere that is disadvantaged. All the women on the team come together and support each other - it’s like a big family.”