Stay up-to-date with Trócaire's work overseas, get news on key global social justice issues, and find out about our latest campaigns in Ireland and how you can get involved.
This week, as we celebrate National Volunteering Week, we want to express a big thank you to all of our amazing and dedicated volunteers across Ireland.
Trócaire Galway volunteers at St Patrick's Day Parade in Eyre Square, Galway. Photo: Marie-Anne Michel
On National Volunteering Week 2023, Trócaire celebrates the profound generosity of our volunteers in Ireland whose work helps us to support and raise awareness of our work overseas.
Marie-Anne Michel, Trócaire’s Volunteer Officer in Galway, thanked Trócaire’s volunteers for offering their time and support to help others.
“This National Volunteering Week, we’re celebrating the power of volunteering to enrich our
communities, bridge social divides, and create opportunities for meaningful connection.”
“I have met the most amazing people since I joined Trócaire. All the volunteers that I have worked with are passionate, dedicated and incredible people. They would stand in the cold on a frosty December evening for hours to get to chat with a passerby. Not only do they not
complain, but they have a smile on their face and are happy and thankful to be able to help. It warms up my heart to think about them all.”
Trócaire Volunteer Gathering in County Cork
Trócaire Volunteer Gathering in Belfast
Janet Twomey, Trócaire’s Volunteer Officer in Cork thanked all the volunteers she has worked with over the past decade in Cork.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to all our volunteers. The often-humble and quiet work our volunteers carry out in local parishes and communities has made a huge difference in the lives of people that Trócaire supports.”
“Each volunteer is unique and brings to the table their skills, talents and passions. Speaking in front of a large group of people works for some volunteers. Others prefer activities that involve being creative such as making a sacred space in their church or writing a bulletin insert for their
weekly Church leaflet. Street campaigning on the often-complex issues of global injustice is not within everyone’s comfort zone, however, distributing Lenten boxes to local schools to ensure each home has the chance of seeing a real-life Trócaire Box is equally important.”
“Each time I think of our volunteers, I am reminded of a quote from Saint Mother Teresa; ‘I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples’. This is how I understand the role of a Trócaire volunteer; to cast stones and create ripples.
Often times, those gentle ripples remain unknown, but we know they were created by the stories of hope and support we hear.”
Trócaire volunteer Bertie O’hAinmhire from Indreabhán, Co Galway has been a volunteer with Trócaire for the past five years. In December 2022, he scooped the ‘Campaigning and Activism Award 2022’ for his work with Trócaire.
“Volunteering enables me to do good, to use whatever skill sets I have to connect with and help others,” Bertie said. “It gives me a sense of pride to assist with causes that I’m passionate about. A well-known seanfhocal or old Irish saying comes to mind, ‘Maireann croí éadrom i bhfad’ – a light heart lives long.”
Patricia Devlin, from Co Kildare, has also been volunteering with Trócaire for more than a decade.
“I love the support from the other volunteers and Trócaire staff. I like the campaigning and asking people to support our work. I also like learning new things and attending workshops on social justice issues. Volunteering is also a great way to meet new people.”
On National Volunteering Week, we would like to thank all of Trócaire’s volunteers who are working together for a just world.
Meet some of our wonderful volunteers:
|
Thank You Trócaire Volunteers! from Trocaire on Vimeo. |
Trócaire’s fantastic volunteers from Trocaire on Vimeo. |
