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Among the Kilkenny Volunteer Centre’s (KVC) supported initiatives in 2024 was a creative collaboration with the One Million Stars Project, bringing together diverse community groups to craft powerful star panels. The panels, now part of the Kilkenny Selfie Star, symbolise unity, compassion and community resilience. Contributors included a group of men supported by a CKLP translator, the Girl Guides, Transition Year students and staff from Aurora Kilkenny supporting their resident Orla. KVC’s Creative Group for Good Causes saw volunteers come together to produce hand-crafted toys and gifts to donate to the Team Hope Christmas Shoebox Appeal and to local nursing homes. BELOW: Community volunteers at the Cois Nore 5km run last year
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A poignant initiative KVC supported was the Leanabh Gowns Project, in collaboration with KCETB and Danesfort Going Strong Group. Volunteers crafted over 100 handmade hospital gowns for children who sadly pass away in St. Luke’s Hospital A&E. This thoughtful initiative provided comfort to families during incredibly difficult moments and showcased the compassion that defines volunteerism in our community. Kilkenny’s Community Volunteers programme continued to thrive, offering short-term, accessible opportunities for people of all backgrounds to contribute to local events such as St. Patrick’s Day, Team Up to Clean Up, National Drawing Day and Relay for Life to name a few. The Centre also continued to strengthen its Corporate Volunteering programme in 2024, partnering with local employers such as AIB and Glanbia to connect staff with community initiatives. BELOW: Tutors and participants with Mayor Andrew McGuinness
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“Volunteers are the heart of our communities,” says Salena Grace, Manager of Kilkenny Volunteer Centre. “Our work reflects only a small portion of the broader impact made by volunteers throughout the whole county of Kilkenny. “National Volunteering Week is a timely opportunity for all of us to come together and celebrate these volunteers whose quiet contributions often go unseen, but their impact is deeply felt - in every corner of our community.” Local organisations are encouraged to take part in National Volunteering Week by recognising the vital role volunteers play in their work. BELOW: Kilkenny Festival of Cultures
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There are many simple yet meaningful ways to get involved. Organisations might host a Volunteer Thank You event like a coffee morning or appreciation gathering. Sharing volunteer spotlights is another powerful way to show appreciation - posting stories, photos or quotes on social media helps highlight the incredible impact volunteers make every day. Additionally, groups are invited to nominate an exceptional volunteer for public recognition by contacting Kilkenny Volunteer Centre who would be delighted to showcase these individuals as part of our county-wide celebration of volunteerism. “Kilkenny Volunteer Centre is here to support you with promotional materials, and ideas to help mark the week in a meaningful way so please reach out to us. “By getting involved, you not only honour your volunteers, but also help to highlight the collective spirit of generosity that strengthens our entire county.”