IWA Athlone to host appreciation event this week

The Irish Wheelchair Association Athlone will mark National Volunteering Week with an appreciation afternoon for all local volunteers at its Clonbrusk base on Wednesday, May 21.

The theme of this year’s National Volunteering Week, which runs until May 25, is 'Building Community Together' and the event will focus on the social opportunities that volunteering creates, from meeting new people and making friends to forging deeper connections within local communities.

“This is just a small show of appreciation to so many local volunteers who give of their time and talents freely to make our day centre a better place. Volunteering keeps people connected to their communities and gives them an outlet for the deep care they have for others.We would be lost without them. They add so much to our service delivery.

"Their acts of kindness and generosity are warmly welcomed by everyone at IWA. In a world that moves too fast it is heartening to see volunteers giving back and making our communities just that bit brighter," local IWA co-ordinator Monica Hughes said.

The volunteer event will also showcase the work of local artist Shane Turner who transformed an IWA container with a stunning mural.