During this National Volunteering Week 2025 in Ireland (19th – 25th May), we are celebrating all things volunteering. Taking place during the third week of May every year, it showcases the enormous contribution of volunteers and their impact on our communities.
National Volunteering Week 2025 – “Building Community Together”
This year’s theme is Building Community Together, with a specific focus on the social opportunities that volunteering offers, such as meeting new people, making friends and connecting with your community.
Kim Merrifield, Mayo Volunteer Centre Manager commented:
“Outside of home and work, volunteering is the ‘third space’ for many people where we connect, empathise, laugh and nurture. The bonds that are built through volunteering strengthen our communities and unite us as we mind each other.
National Volunteering Week is an opportunity for the whole country to celebrate how our countless instances of supporting our community connects us into a huge network of care.”
Impact of Volunteers on our Communities
National Volunteering Week 2025 is anchored by a digital campaign sharing personal volunteer stories and encouraging people across the country to think about the incredible impact that volunteers have on our communities.
During this week, a programme of events is taking place across the country covering everything from training, recognition and wellbeing.
Programme of Events in Mayo to Celebrate Volunteering
Throughout this week, events are happening nationwide to celebrate and promote volunteering. In Mayo, activities range from capturing inspiring volunteer stories and organising beach clean-ups, to the Ballina District Hospital rejuvenation project and the Cosy Blanket initiative – an uplifting collaboration with Mayo Hospice. The week also features volunteering information sessions aimed at encouraging more people to get involved and how community groups can support their volunteers.
Sponsors of National Volunteering Week 2025 – Irish League of Credit Unions
National Volunteering Week 2025 is sponsored by the Irish League of Credit Unions who understand the importance of volunteering, with over 3,200 volunteers on the island of Ireland.
According to Brendan Jenkins, President of the Irish League of Credit Unions:
“We are delighted to sponsor National Volunteering Week, an initiative that aligns perfectly with the credit union philosophy of ‘people helping people.’
As member-owned financial cooperatives, volunteerism is at the heart of what we do. It strengthens communities, fosters connection and empowers people. Our sponsorship reinforces our dedication to community service, financial wellbeing and our cooperative principles”.
National Volunteering Week is also delighted once again to partner with Healthy Ireland who share its vision of healthy, sustainable communities.
About Volunteer Ireland
Volunteer Ireland is the national volunteer development organisation and a support body for all local Volunteer Centres in Ireland. Its vision is an Ireland where volunteering thrives. Volunteer Ireland works to increase awareness of, access to and quality in volunteering in Ireland. For further information, visit: http://www.volunteer.ie/
About Volunteer Centres
The 29 Volunteer Centres are the local leaders in community engagement, supporting and promoting volunteering. They provide a placement service between individuals and groups who want to undertake voluntary activity and organisations that are seeking to involve volunteers, along with a range of other services. A full list of Volunteer Centres is available here.
Underway since Monday, 19th May, National Volunteering Week runs until 25th May and further information can be found here.