NUI Galway’s 11th annual volunteering fair will take place on Wednesday September 26 in the Bailey Allen Hall, from 1pm to 5pm, with more than 2,000 students, staff, and members of the general public expected to attend.
The fair will be officially opened by Mayor of Galway Terry O'Flaherty and some 80 charities and community organisations will showcase the wide range of volunteer opportunities in Galway.
The fair is part of a week-long celebration of volunteering at NUI Galway, the culmination of which will coincide with the National Day of Volunteering on Friday October 1.
“The student volunteering programme ALIVE has been supporting and enabling students to engage in the Galway city community for 10 years, and we extend a thank you to our community partners which have hosted students through hundreds of meaning
ful volunteering opportunities,” said Lorraine Tansey, student volunteer coordinator at NUI Galway. “Students are actively seeking volunteering prospects with homework clubs in local schools, fundraising for national charities, befriending people with a disability, or volunteering abroad. Students benefit enormously from getting involved and gain valuable experience while bringing energy, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn.”
Exhibitors at the volunteering fair will include RehabCare, Gorta, Goal, COPE Galway, Autism Assistance Dogs Ireland, Age Action, Irish Wheelchair Association, Blue Teapot Theatre Company, Child of Haiti, and Music for Galway.
“We are delighted to not only welcome community organisations to highlight their work and opportunities for volunteers, but also to welcome members of the public on to campus,” Ms Tansey added.
ALIVE - A Learning Initiative and the Volunteering Experience – was established by the Community Knowledge Initiative (CKI ) at NUI Galway to harness, acknowledge, and support the contribution the university students make to Galway by volunteering. Through this programme students can access an online database of volunteer opportunities. The programme includes a series of workshops to help students make the most of their volunteering experience. At the end of the academic year students can apply for an ALIVE certificate which is awarded by NUI Galway president Dr Jim Browne.
To date more than 7,000 students have been recognised for their volunteering commitment within a variety of pathways, enabling NUI Galway to become a role model in promoting skills related to democratic participation and civic engagement among students.
To book a stand or for further information, contact the ALIVE office on 091 493823 or email [email protected]
