Fermanagh’s invaluable volunteers were recognised at a recent celebratory gathering in Enniskillen.
Facilitated by Volunteer Now in partnership with the Fermanagh Trust and funded by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, the special volunteer recognition event was held to say thank you and celebrate work that so often gets overlooked.
“This was an opportunity to shine a light on some of the wonderful volunteers who work within the community,” acknowledged a representative. “It was a celebration of good deeds of our volunteers, who were all equally applauded for their extraordinary efforts that make for a better County Fermanagh,” she said.
Certificates were awarded to 40 volunteers from a range of organisations including playgroups, charity shops, food banks, women’s groups, RNLI, Red Cross, Mountain Rescue and mental health organisations.
“These 40 are just a snapshot of the hundreds of volunteers” who can be found in every townland, village, and town. “Volunteers who give their own time and skills to help and engage others, right an injustice, enhance the well being of their community and support the interests and causes they care about,” added the representative.
Jane Gribben from Volunteer Now praised Fermanagh’s community spirit and the volunteers for “giving your time and heart to making a difference to the lives of others.” Arlene Foster MLA, who presented the certificates, added: “I’m delighted to be here today and take this opportunity to say thank you. Too often we take the work of our volunteers for granted, which is why events like this are important – to remind us of the goodwill and invaluable contribution you make.”
This recognition event which was held at Fermanagh House, was one of hundreds of similar events throughout the UK as part of Volunteers Week, which takes place every year at the start of June. For more information on volunteering, people can visit www.volunternow.co.uk or contact Gavin Connolly, Volunteer Now – E: Gavin.Connolly@volunteernow.co.uk / Tel: 07850851824.