Ireland Involved Awards
Celebrating volunteers and showcasing their work across the country
Congratulations to Christine Buckley, who was named
“European Volunteer of the Year” on 5th December 2009!
Learn all about Christine’s volunteer story
The Ireland InVOLved Awards is an awards scheme that makes a difference. Organised by Volunteering Ireland and sponsored by Specsavers, it is about showcasing the work of volunteers across the country and celebrating Ireland’s volunteers!
On the 5th of November, we honoured thirty individuals at an awards event and dinner hosted by the Taoiseach’s Office in the Royal Hospital Kilmainham, Dublin. We announced the ten overall category awardees and President Mary McAleese presented the award for the Irish Volunteer of the Year 2009 to Christine Buckley from the Aislinn Education and Support Centre for Survivors of Institutional Abuse. This event celebrated the amazing work of all those who volunteer in Ireland.
Christine as Irish Volunteer of the Year represented Ireland at the European Parliament in Strasbourg where on Saturday 5 December – International Volunteer Day – was awarded the Trophee Europeen du Benevolat in the European Parliament in Strasbourg along with the title “European Volunteer of the Year” in recognition of the years of work to raise awareness of institutional child abuse.
Elaine Bradley, CEO of Volunteering Ireland, the organisation that co-ordinates the Ireland Involved Awards and Ireland’s participation in the European Awards said “It is very timely that Christine should be acknowledged in this way. She is a woman of courage and integrity and a beacon of hope who reminds us that we can all make a difference, when we stay true to ourselves.”
Watch the video to learn more about the awards and some of Ireland’s exceptional volunteers!