Annual President's Volunteer Award

“…as a volunteer...every step you take on your journey will be one closer to making a real difference”,  words of Paul Campbell spoken at the Annual President’s Volunteer Award (PVA) ceremony which took place on Thursday, 22nd September in UL. 270 students were honoured for their voluntary work in the past year, both on and off campus.

Adi Roche, a former UL student, was a guest speaker at his year’s event. The Chernobyl Children organisation have approximately 5,000 volunteers and “would not exist without that volunteering.” She encouraged students to continue their volunteering efforts when they leave university and to become a lifelong advocate of active citizenship.

Also speaking at the ceremony was 2011 PVA recipient and Half Way Art House Founder Paul Campbell, whose art project gives creative outlet to homeless people in two Limerick City Shelters.  For Paul a small idea became a reality with the help and support of some dedicated volunteers.  “The small steps you take as a volunteer not only help those you work with – they can also inspire others around you and every step you take on your journey will be one closer to making a real difference.”

The ceremony also saw the launch of a new higher education volunteering website www.  studentvolunteer.ie which was spearheaded by Gabriella Hanrahan, UL’s Community Liaison Officer.  Speaking of this website, President Don Barry said: “I’m proud to say that UL set the blueprint for what will now be a national asset for higher education institutions as well as charitable organisations in Ireland and beyond.”  9 higher level institutions have signed up to the website, making it accessible to more than 100,000 students across the country.