Westport FRC honours volunteers during National Volunteer Week

The invaluable contribution of volunteers to the local community was celebrated in style on Thursday, May 21, when Westport Family Resource Centre (FRC) hosted a special appreciation event in recognition of National Volunteer Week.

Held in the Town Hall in Westport, the gathering brought together volunteers and staff to acknowledge the dedication, generosity and community spirit that underpin the work of the Centre. Organisers expressed sincere thanks to Rosaleen and the Town Hall team for kindly providing the venue for the occasion.

Westport FRC currently works with thirty-six volunteers who support a wide range of initiatives and services across the community. These include the befriending calls service, which provides support and connection for older people; the Westport Integration Project, helping newcomers from other countries settle into life in Westport; the chess and speedcubing club, FoodCloud; IT classes; the social club for older people; and the Quay Youth Project and its Summer Programme.

Volunteers also play an important role in many of the Centre’s annual events and initiatives, including Culture Night, the Community Picnic, and seasonal food appeals.

Certificates of acknowledgement were presented to volunteers who attended the event, recognising the significant impact of their work. According to John Doherty, who coordinates volunteers at the FRC, volunteer involvement is essential to the success and growth of the organisation’s many programmes.

“Without volunteers, many of these projects would be far smaller and much more limited in their ability to respond to local needs,” he noted.

The event also provided an opportunity for volunteers and staff to reflect on the personal and social value of volunteering. Many spoke about their motivation to give something back to the community and the fulfilment that comes from helping others. Volunteers highlighted the benefits they themselves gain through their involvement, including a sense of purpose, social connection, and the satisfaction of contributing positively to community life.

Discussions throughout the evening reinforced the important role played by Westport FRC in the wider area. Beyond responding to immediate needs, the Centre actively encourages local participation and community-led development, helping to strengthen social ties and enhance life in Westport.

Speaking personally at the event, volunteer and Westport FRC Director Mark Garavan reflected on his experience with the FoodCloud initiative, which redistributes surplus food from local supermarkets to families in the area.

Having volunteered with FoodCloud since 2020, he highlighted both the social and environmental importance of the project. Without redistribution, much of the food collected would otherwise go to waste. According to data from the FoodCloud app, local volunteers have completed more than 1,100 collections, redistributing almost 23,000 kilograms of food — more than 22 tonnes — back into the community.

Garavan noted that volunteering with FoodCloud typically involves just a couple of hours every two weeks, demonstrating how even a modest time commitment can make a meaningful difference.

The evening concluded with an open invitation to anyone interested in becoming involved with the FRC in the future.

Those wishing to learn more about volunteering opportunities or the work of Westport Family Resource Centre can visit the Centre’s website at westportfrc.ie or contact the office on 098-24419.