Volunteering News May 2016

Something that has shaped this country, and will continue to do so in the future, is volunteering. We are one of the best countries in the world at volunteering, ranked number one in Europe and tenth in the world in terms of per capita volunteer hours.

It is no exaggeration to say that Ireland as we know it couldn’t exist without volunteers — imagine the empty sports stadiums, the unmanned helplines for vulnerable people, the empty youth clubs without volunteers.

Urgent Volunteer Opportunities this weekend

Local childrens' football team Woodview Celtic FC are holding a bag pack tomorrow (21st May) in various locations across Dundalk. All help would be very much appreciated. Funds are being raised for the development of a new pitch for the team. Call Jeanine on 0861237610 if you can give 1 or 2 hours.

Cox's Demesne Community Volunteers are holding a clean up in Oakland Park from 1-4pm tomorrow (21st May). Volunteers are meeting at 12.45pm at Oakland Park - directly across from Dunnes Stores. Call Kayleigh on 0860431379 for more info

SOSAD are looking for Volunteers for bag packing on Friday and Saturday the 27th and 28th May in Tesco Extra. They need lots of help and support to ensure the future of SOSAD. If You are interested this opportunity apply here

As of April 29th 2016, a new Act - The National Vetting Bureau (Children and Vulnerable Persons) Act 2012-2016 came into effect.  This act makes it mandatory for people working with children or vulnerable adults to be vetted by the Garda Síochána National Vetting Bureau.
What this means for volunteers is that anyone undertaking regular volunteering roles that involve working with children or adults with physical or intellectual disabilities, mental ilness or older people will need to be vetted before they begin volunteering. Up to now, vetting has been carried out by voluntary groups as a matter of good practice.