Fiona and her family first got involved with volunteering with Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind in 2021 and have been temporary boarders for about 10 different dogs since.
Category: Volunteer Stories
Emma’s story
“I’m very proud to be a disabled Irish Traveller and a disability rights activist and that’s what should matter to people.”
Emma Ward is a journalist and content creator. You can follow her journey and activism on Facebook and Instagram at @emmawardjournalist and twitter @emmawardjourno.
Nick’s story
“Volunteering connects you with like-minded individuals who share a commitment to wellness. The parkrun community becomes a support network, fostering a sense of belonging crucial to healing.”
Nick volunteers with Bushy parkrun.
National Volunteering Week media
‘I enjoy meeting new people and working together to improve our society’ – Youcef, Dublin
Youcef, an Algerian living in Dublin, has found a welcoming community in Ireland through volunteering. Engaging in volunteering has given him a sense of purpose, boosted his confidence, and facilitated meaningful connections with people from diverse backgrounds.
‘Ireland saved my life, so I volunteer to do something good for Irish people’ – Valeria, Waterford
Valeria dedicates herself to helping others, accompanying fellow Ukrainian people in Waterford to hospital appointments and personal meetings, while also serving as the PR manager for the Waterford Volunteer Centre. Through her involvement in volunteering and her passion for involving fellow Ukrainians, Valeria finds a sense of belonging and purpose.
Anastasia’s story: ‘The teenagers I volunteer with in Sligo remind me of my students in Ukraine’
Since fleeing Ukraine last year, Anastasia has found a new joy and purpose in volunteering with Foróige Youth Club in Sligo. Through helping others, Anastasia has found a place in her community and formed new friendships.
Vic’s story: ‘We provide welcoming spaces to LGBTQIA+ folk who are disabled, who belong to the Traveller community, who are immigrants’
For the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, we’re delighted to share the volunteering story of Vic from Wexford Pride.
Irvine’s story: ‘I’ve met the kindest and most generous people through volunteering’
Volunteering as Bohs Access Officer, Irvine makes a valuable contribution to the Dublin soccer club’s diversity and inclusion mission.
‘Volunteering has given our lives new meaning’ – Alievtina & Hanna
Alievtina & Hanna share their story of arriving in Donegal last year, and experiencing the life-changing magic of volunteering.