Sligo set to inspire as EU volunteer capital
Organisers of European Volunteering Capital 2017 have said that Sligo can inspire people in both Ireland and Europe due to its rich culture of volunteering.
The compliments came at a special event in Brussels recently, in which the city outlined its plans for its forthcoming status as EVC 2017. Ciara Herity, Sligo Volunteer Centre Manager, said at the event that she hopes the spotlight put on volunteering next year will encourage people to become involved across the country and indeed the continent.
She said: “Volunteering is ingrained in the lives of so many people - it’s almost in our DNA in Sligo. It is very exciting to be able to showcase our great volunteering culture, not only in Ireland, but also in Europe in 2017.”
She added: “We want the year to inspire people who may not be involved in volunteering at the moment to dip their toe in the water and see for themselves the great benefits volunteering brings.”
Nineteen volunteers, who were winners of last year’s Sligo County Council Cathaoirleach Awards, travelled to Brussels for the three- day event where they heard stories of the roles of volunteers in society, particularly in providing services for senior citizens.
They also took part in a conference entitled ‘ How Volunteering strategies at Local and National levels connect with EU policies and programmes’. Also in attendance was Cllr Hubert Keaney, Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council and Cllr Marie Casserly, Mayor of Sligo. The event was organised by Independent MEP Marian Harkin.