01/10/2007 -

Mayor Encourages Local Volunteerism ‘Give it a Swirl Day’-September 26th 2007

September 26th 2007 marked the first ever national day of volunteering in Ireland. This national day of volunteering has been named ‘Give it a Swirl Day’-“Go on, Give it a Swirl-Volunteer!”

Following the success of the Day, the Mayor wishes to commend the people of the Sligo volunteer Centre, who continue to play a leading role in increasing public awareness of the benefits of volunteerism.

The day incorporated ‘hands on’ volunteering projects at a local level around the Country.  Here in Sligo, 14 Volunteers turned up early Wednesday morning at Sligo Showgrounds and helped in the clearing and extending of the pitch training area and the recycling of waste wood.

The Day clearly marked the culture and practice of volunteerism, a quality that we can often lose sight of in a hectic and hurried world. The establishment of the centre in Sligo in 2006 was a hugely important development for the Sligo area which has and will continue to benefit numerous community projects.

As well as offering a co-ordination and referral service for local organisations, Sligo Volunteer Centre is an eloquent advocate for the role of the volunteer in our community. 

 ‘Since assuming the post of mayor, I have had the privilege of meeting numerous voluntary groups who are driven by the desire to enhance the quality of life for their community.’

Cllr McGoldrick would like to commend the younger generation whom he believes have a keener sense of civic duty and responsibility, a reality which is visible in their involvement across a whole spectrum of activities and is reflected in their engagement both in the class-room and in their community.

For anyone that may be interested in becoming involved in volunteering in there local area over the coming months, you may contact Sligo Volunteer Centre on 071-911 1043/1042 or log on to www.volunteersligo.ie for more information.