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
Donegal Volunteer Centre honours outstanding people and community groups
The volunteers received their awards and commendations at a special ceremony in Letterkenny
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John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Belinda Houlihan, Mary Forker, Ini Guevara, Eileen O'Donnell, Maghery Senior Social Club and Margaret Larkin, Community Development Manager, DLDC
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John Curran Donegal Volunteer Centre, David Hughes, Martin McGuire, Tonya Ni Churrin, Rametlon Beo and Patsy McGonagle, DLDC Chairman
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Shane McBride, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Mollie Carr, Sarah Lochard, Annie Carr, Jump'n'Jacks, Special Olympics Gymnastic Club and Padraic Fingleton, CEO DLDC
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John Curran, Donegal Volunteer Centre, Diana Nantima, Khethiwe Ngobese FinnValley FRC and Padraic Fingleton, CEO DLDC