‘From every corner, for every cause’

National Volunteering Week – the third week of May every year – is dedicated to showcasing the enormous contribution of volunteers and their impact on our communities.

There will be events across the country, from volunteering information sessions and coffee mornings to yoga classes for volunteers, along with training for volunteer managers.

This year’s theme is ‘From Every Corner, For Every Cause’, celebrates the collective power of volunteering (local and global) and honours the people whose time, compassion and commitment make a measurable difference every day. The impact of volunteering has huge ripples.

Every action, no matter how small, has an impact and helps to inspire and connect volunteers across the world.

Sharon Timothy, coordinator of Westmeath Volunteer Centre, said: “Outside of home and work, volunteering is the ‘third space’ for many people, where we connect, empathise, laugh and nurture.

“The bonds that are built through volunteering strengthen our communities and unite us as we mind each other.

“National Volunteering Week is an opportunity for the whole country to celebrate how our countless instances of supporting our community connects us into a huge network of care.”

National Volunteering Week is anchored by a digital campaign sharing personal volunteer stories and encouraging people across the country to think about the impact volunteers have on our communities.

Volunteer Ireland is the national volunteer development organisation and a support body for all local Volunteer Centres in Ireland. Its vision is an Ireland where volunteering thrives.

Volunteer Ireland works to increase awareness of, access to and quality in volunteering in Ireland.

Volunteer Centres

The 29 Volunteer Centres are the local leaders in community engagement, supporting and promoting volunteering. They provide a placement service between individuals and groups who want to undertake voluntary activity and organisations that are seeking to involve volunteers, along with a range of other services.

* See our profile on Esker House for Volunteer Week here