Carlow Volunteer Centre celebrates 20 years of support, encouragement, and care
Jennifer Kelly (Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht), minister Jerry Buttimer, Helen Rothwell of Carlow Volunteer Centre, Jake Ryan (Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht), and minister Jennifer Murnane O'Connor
“IT WAS a brilliant, brilliant night,” said Helen Rothwell, manager of Carlow Volunteer Centre about a special event that they celebrated last week.
The centre hosted its Annual Volunteer Recognition Event at the Seven Oaks Hotel on Thursday evening, but this year’s event was particularly special as it marked the centre’s 20th anniversary – a milestone highlighting two decades of dedication to supporting and empowering volunteers in Carlow.
Over 180 volunteers and representatives from various organisations attended the celebration, reflecting the strong spirit of volunteerism that thrives within the county. Also in attendance were minister Jerry Buttimer, minister of state Jennifer Murnane O’Connor, deputy Catherine Callaghan and local councillors, all showing their support for the vital role that volunteers play in building a stronger, more connected community.
The celebration was officially opened by Helen, who warmly thanked all involved for their ongoing support and encouragement. She said that more than 3,000 volunteers had registered with the centre over that past 20 years and had been placed into nearly 5,000 volunteer roles, collectively giving over 120,000 hours of their time to help others.
“Think about that for a moment,” she said. “120,000 hours of support, encouragement and care. That’s thousands of conversations and countless acts of kindness. Thank you.”
Helen also spoke about the centre’s inclusive approach, noting that the personal connections made through Carlow Volunteer Centre foster integration, diversity and inclusion, making volunteering a welcoming and rewarding experience for everyone.
“We connect people across cultures, generations and backgrounds – creating opportunities to participate, to share, and to belong. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community where every person feels valued.”
Several others also addressed the room, while Martha Jane Duggan, chairperson of the centre, presented two founding members Frank Comerford and Fiona Dunne with plaques in honour of their foresight and dedication to the cause.
She said: “On behalf of Carlow Volunteer Centre, and indeed on behalf of our entire community, we extend our heartfelt thanks for your vision, your leadership and your enduring legacy.”
