Amy Woods
Head of Advocacy and Engagement, Volunteer Ireland
Christmas is a time of giving, and in Ireland, we’re extremely lucky to have such a strong culture of volunteering, where giving back is just what we do.
Volunteers make a huge impact in our communities throughout the festive season. They make and deliver Christmas dinners to those in need, host community Christmas celebrations where people can come together rather than being alone and man 24-hour phone lines for those who may have nowhere else to turn. Volunteers also support festive fun runs and swims, and visits to Santa. They also make gift boxes to be sent to children in the Global South.
This time of year is a really special time for some but can be a difficult time for many. Like they do throughout the year, volunteers make a big difference.
There are lots of ways to give back
While a lot of Christmas volunteering opportunities fill up early, it’s always worth checking i-vol.ie to see if anyone is looking for help in your area. There are also lots of ways to help in the run-up to Christmas, like sending Christmas cards to residents of nursing homes or organising a carol singing fundraiser in your community. Although it may not sound that festive, donating blood is also an important way to give back, especially at this time of year.
Although it may not sound that festive, donating blood is also an
important way to give back, especially at this time of year.
It’s easy to get involved
Looking to the new year, why not consider becoming a Community Volunteer? It’s a great chance for those who want to get involved in their community through events, festivals and occasional urgent supports, but don’t have much time. You can get involved as often or as little as you like, when it suits your schedule. You get to avail of training, be part of a team and get a pretty cool t-shirt!
If you’re looking for a more regular role or need some more support thinking about what you’d like to do, you can visit volunteer.ie to apply for roles or find your local Volunteer Centre. There is something for everyone!
Visit communityvolunteers.ie to find out more.
