Westmeath Volunteer Centre honours local volunteers with Recognition Awards

The Westmeath Volunteer Centre (WHVC) has honoured local volunteers with Recognition Awards.

The order of Malta, IWA Athlone, Athlone Drug Awareness, Athlone Community Radio, Athlone Meals On Wheels, and Failte Isteach Moate have all been awarded for their remarkable contribution to volunteering.

Each groups selection for this award is a great achievement, showing the impact that volunteers have on their local community.

In celebration of International Volunteer Day on December 5, WHVC will be delivering specially crafted Irish Afternoon Tea Hampers to local organisations, inviting them to share a traditional tea-time experience with their dedicated volunteers.

Alongside the tea hampers, WHVC will present a unique recognition award as a lasting token of appreciation for organisation to display.

This year’s award, is in the shape of a puzzle piece, is inscribed with the words 'Never forget, you are the piece that made the difference'.

The design symbolises how each volunteer’s contributions fit perfectly into the community, making a vital and lasting impact.

“Rather than bringing people to an awards event during this busy season, we decided to bring the awards to the people,” said Sharon Timothy, Coordinator of WHVC a Westmeath Community Development project .

“The International Volunteer Day theme this year is ‘Something for Everyone.’ So, our own theme highlights how each volunteer is an essential part of a larger picture, and we wanted to create something they can keep as a reminder of the difference they’ve made.”