Tipperary Carer Wins National Volunteer of the Year Award
The first ever National Irish Red Cross Volunteer of The Year Award was presented on Saturday, 7thMay, to Mary Prout from Nenagh, Tipperary. Mary received the award, at a ceremony in Farmleigh House, Dublin, for her dedication to volunteering in her local community. The event marks the eve of World Red Cross Red Crescent Day, held each year on the 8th May to celebrate the work of the Red Cross globally and locally.
As well as working as a full-time Carer for the HSE, Mary volunteers her evenings and weekends to keeping her community safe. Mary is known locally for training fellow Irish Red Cross volunteers and members of the public in first aid. Giving them the skills and knowledge to help in an emergency. In addition, Mary regularly provides first aid cover at local rallies, fun days and concerts.
Speaking at the ceremony which was presented by Panti Bliss and Maria Walsh, broadcaster and Rose of Tralee 2014, Chairman of the Irish Red Cross Pat Carey, said, “My spirits are lifted listening to the stories of our nominees and winners. It is a wonderful thing to have an event like this that recognises the value of volunteers, those here, in Ireland and worldwide”.
Volunteers from twelve counties were shortlisted for the nine award categories. With Cork, Kerry, Dublin, Donegal, Tipperary and Waterford taking home the winning trophies. All nominees were put forward for the awards by members of the communities in which they volunteer and by their peers. The Irish Red Cross has approximately 4,000 volunteers in Ireland who provide humanitarian services to vulnerable communities around the country.
The 8th May marks World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, the birthday of the Red Cross founder Henry Dunant and an annual celebration of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. Each year, Red Cross and Red Crescent societies organise activities to highlight the unique role of the Movement in their respective countries.
