Clare volunteering in 2011 valued at €204,000

2011 was a great year for volunteering in Clare  with over 239 volunteers registering with Clare Volunteer Centre in Ennis. Volunteers worked over 9,342 hours in 2011 and using the average industrial wage, this work equates a value of over €204,000.
Of the volunteers who signed up in 2011, the most popular areas of interest were health and disability and youth/children. The most popular reasons for wanting to volunteer were ‘free time’ and ‘give something back’.  60% of the volunteers who signed up with the Volunteer Centre last year had never volunteered before. Over 100 organisations are now registered with Clare Volunteer Centre. Last year, 34 new organisations registered with the centre.
Commenting on the success of last year, Sharon Meaney said, “2011 was the European Year of Volunteering so we were delighted to help 239 Clare residents to start volunteering. It’s remarkable to see that the work of Clare volunteers in 2011 amounted to a value of over €204,000 but really, the difference volunteers make to our community is immeasurable.  The Volunteer Discount Card, which was launched in conjunction with the Ennis Chamber, Clare County Council and Clare Local Development Company to celebrate the European Year of Volunteering, was very well received with over 2,000 cards being distributed countywide. We were delighted to work with many organisations across the county during 2011 supporting them in developing practices to ensure volunteers are recognised and valued for their contribution”
For those interested in volunteering, it’s easy to get involved. Clare Volunteer Centre is a free service aimed at encouraging more people to become involved in volunteering across the county.
Call in to the Volunteer Centre at Unit One, Westgate Business Park, Kilrush Road, Ennis or visit www.volunteerclare.ie and find a volunteering opportunity near you. Clare Volunteer Centre is a member of Volunteer Ireland.