GIVE yourself a pat on the back Carlow, you are so giving.
Carlow is the first volunteer centre in Ireland to win a coveted VCI Quality Standard Award. After a rigorous two day assessment last November, members of the volunteer centre on Dublin Street were recently informed that they’d passed the test.
A four person team went through the centre, “with a fine tooth comb” according to Fiona Cunnane, Manager.
“The centre had to demonstrate its effectiveness in key areas including volunteer placement service, support to voluntary organisations, and efforts to promote volunteering to the public,” added Fiona.
Following the assessment, the Carlow centre was deemed well run and professional, much to the delight of all involved.
“It was a very positive evaluation. It’s nice to get validation and we’re four years open this week so it’s a good anniversary celebration I suppose,” laughed Fiona.
“We’re absolutely thrilled, the assessment was rigorous, so it’s great news to get,” she added.
Since the centre opened in 2006, 1,450 people have registered to volunteer around the county. To date big-hearted Carlovians have contributed approximately 57,000 hours of voluntary work.
According to Fiona this would equal a contribution of €1,108,700 to the locality. Already this year almost 200 people have registered for voluntary work with the centre and Fiona expects this figure to continue to rise.
“Last year our volunteer numbers went up by 45%. “I’d imagine it’ll be the same again this year. Volunteering is a great way to keep active when looking for work,” she added.
If you are interested in volunteering check out www.volunteercarlow.ie or contact the centre on 059 9173033.