Volunteer Manager Shortlist 2024

Damien Dollard has been volunteering with the Civil Defence since 2012. He has been a mentor, a friend and a support to many volunteers. Having started as a volunteer himself before taking on a leadership role, knows exactly how to be there for the volunteers on the good and the bad days. Damien knows the volunteers on a personal level and is always there to offer a listening ear if needed. Many of his volunteers have gone on to get jobs in the emergency services, and Damien’s help and support has given the volunteers the confidence to apply for these jobs. He is always learning more to make sure that he is providing his volunteers with the best knowledge and equipment to do their jobs. Volunteering with the Civil Defence is not always easy and volunteers often see people at very low times in their lives, which is hard. Damien knows how to support his volunteers and help them to see how valuable they are in these moments.  

Damien joined the Civil Defence at the urging of his partner and fellow volunteer Nicola. Even during her struggle with cancer and death, Damien never stopped volunteering.  

Min Min Tan is the current president of Junior Chamber Ireland-Galway and exemplifies the mission of JCI: to provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. 

One of her notable contributions has been organizing and leading beach clean-ups, which not only address environmental issues but also builds a sense of community responsibility and teamwork among young people. In addition, she has brought joy and hope to hospital patients through visits dressed as the Easter bunny or characters from Star Wars. These visits have not only lifted the spirits of patients but also taught young volunteers the importance of empathy and bringing joy to others, especially those facing difficult times. 

Min Min is committed to diversity and inclusion, as is evident in her efforts to promote sign language courses for the D/deaf community and organize drawing activities with language learning students. “What truly sets her apart is her dedication and passion for making a positive impact. Despite being only 24 years old and a recent university graduate from another country, she has demonstrated remarkable leadership and resilience” writes her nominator. 

When Mary Quinn started at the Irish Cancer Society in 2019, the organisation didn’t have a standardised approach to volunteer management so Mary built a system of policies, processes and practices to make sure that volunteers are well cared for and respected for their contributions. Mary was responsible for implementing centralised recruitment, clear role specifications, a volunteer policy, a volunteer database, support and supervision, training, volunteer events, reward schemes, a newsletter – and more!  

Under Mary’s leadership the society has over 2,500 volunteers who every day make an impact for patients, and recruits about 500 new volunteers every year. They raise vital funds, work in shops, drive patients to treatment, offer support at a Daffodil Centre, and much more – and every single one of them is in Mary’s mind everyday. She keeps the volunteer experience front and centre, and champions volunteering throughout the society. More than policy, or an event, Mary has established a culture where volunteer management and the volunteer experience is at the forefront of what the Irish Cancer Society does.  

“The most special thing I think about Mary is her get-it-done attitude. Mary doesn’t just come with an idea – she comes with an idea AND a plan” writes her nominator.