Press Release
Press Release
From The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre
Contact Mark Lloyd 061 315070 mark@bluebox.ie
Mary Carmel O'Donoghue, founder and Director of Arts Therapy at The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre was selected as the winning candidate in the 'Children and Young People' category of the "Ireland InVOLved Awards" at the Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin on the 26th of November.
These awards were created by Volunteering Ireland to recognise outstanding volunteers in Ireland.
Mary Carmel received the award in recognition of the 12 years of voluntary service she has given to the young people of Limerick City whilst serving as CEO and latterly as Director of Arts Therapy at The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre.
On receiving the award Mary Carmel said:
"I'm grateful for the freedom and guidance, the backing and support of the Salesian Congregation that has allowed me to dedicate myself to responding to the needs of children and young people in Limerick City."
I co-founded our charity, The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre, in 1997. Out of my experience as a teacher and the manager of a youth centre I recognised the emotional and psychological difficulties that inhibited learning. I also recognised that there were no services or interventions to address this. So came about The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre. This year we will have 12 Arts Therapists working in 23 schools with over 500 children and young people and their families in Limerick City. This is only a beginning.
"This work cannot continue unless it is backed with financial and political support. On behalf of thousands of children and young people I ask the government through its representatives here and all those who have the power - to work with us."
Mary Carmel and the other winners in the other categories will be hosted by President McAleese at a special reception to be held at Áras an Uactaráin in January
Mary Carmel O'Donoghue has been a volunteer Director of Arts Therapy with the Blue Box Creative Learning Centre in Limerick for 12 years. Having been a co-founder of the organisation she helped to develop it as volunteer CEO up until 2005 when the organisation appointed a General Manager. Since then she has served as the volunteer Director of Arts Therapy, with responsibility for managing and supervising the work of twelve therapists in over twenty-three preschools, primary schools and secondary schools in Limerick City. As Director of Arts Therapy she is ultimately responsible for the delivery of over 3000 therapy sessions to over 450 children, young people and families in Limerick City. She also serves as a volunteer therapist one day a week at Scoil Ide in Corbally, Limerick.
Mary Carmel is a fervent supporter of the rights of children and young people to the opportunity to develop to their true potential regardless of social or economic background.
Mark Lloyd, General Manager of The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre said "Mary Carmel rolled up her sleeves and changed lives. Her humility, considering all she has achieved, is almost saintly! I am delighted that she has been recognised on a national stage and I hope that this will bring national focus to her work and help secure the funding that will stop The Blue Box Creative Learning Centre from having to reduce services next year."
"Mary Carmel epitomises the strength of the 'can-do' spirit of Limerick.
Whenever she sees a problem she doesn't say 'who will fix this?', she says 'how can I help?" - Brendan Kenny, CEO Limerick Regeneration Agencies.
"Mary Carmel has touched so many childrens' lives." - Peter Long, Principal Scoil Ide Primary School
