Nomination portal for recognition of volunteers who made a contribution during the pandemic

Minister of State in the Department of Rural and Community Development, Joe O’ Brien TD, today launched the Volunteer Ireland nomination web portal which will accept nominations from relevant organisations of volunteers who have made a contribution to their community during the pandemic. Selected volunteers will then be invited to attend events in their County during national volunteer week. In line with the National Volunteering Strategy, the events will help to promote and highlight the unique value and contribution of volunteers to Irish society, they will also provide an opportunity for Government to acknowledge how important volunteering is to the well-being of our communities.

Announcing the launch of the portal this week, Minister O’Brien said:

“Thousands of volunteers around the country ensured that the most vulnerable and hard to reach members of our community were supported throughout the pandemic, through numerous initatives including the Community Call. Their contribution, no matter how small, was absolutely crucial and my Department is working with Volunteer Ireland to recognise this.”

Nina Arwitz, CEO of Volunteer Ireland, added:

"The pandemic clearly demonstrated the good will and generosity of people across the country. From getting groceries for neighbours to supporting the national vaccination programme, thousands of people volunteered in our response to COVID-19. National Volunteering Week 2022 is the perfect time to take stock and celebrate the immense contribution made by so many volunteers over the last two years and we're delighted to be working the Department of Rural and Community Development to make that happen."

Minister O’Brien concluded:

“I would urge all local authorities, PPNs, volunteer involving organisations and volunteer centres to visit the portal before the closing date of April 13th and nominate individuals who made selfless contributions to ensure that everyone in our communities was supported during the pandemic.”

The deadline for nominations has been extended to Wednesday 20th April. Events will take place during national volunteer week.