Donegal is to be one of seven counties to pilot a New National Pilot Community Volunteers Programme.
The initiative sets out to bridge the gap between communities that need support and the people who want to help.
It gives people the opportunity to get involved in local events and festivals while also supporting more urgent needs that arise unexpectedly, like the community response to COVID-19.
The Donegal Volunteer Centre will play a pivotal role in the programme.
John G. McLaughlin, Chief Executive of Donegal County Council said: “This is a welcome opportunity to build on the existing local links that exist between Donegal County Council and the Donegal Volunteer Centre to develop a group of community volunteers who can provide a voluntary support response to planned and unplanned events in the County. We have seen at first hand the value of these committed volunteers in Donegal during COVID-19.”
Those who are interested in the Community Volunteer Programme are encouraged to contact their local volunteer centre. For Donegal, see: www.volunteerdonegal.ie
The programme is funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and coordinated by Volunteer Ireland and the network of Volunteer Centres, with support from their Local Authority, in each area.
The pilot project is initially running in seven counties and will roll out on a phased basis with ten more counties joining in 2022.
