There was widespread acclaim on Tuesday night when CARI Volunteer Forensic Accompaniment Service were announced as Galway City Council Volunteers of the Year, at the 15th Annual Mayor’s Awards for Galway City.
The invaluable work undertaken by CARI involves accompanying and supporting children aged under 14 and their families, through their forensic medical examination at the Galway CASATS Unit following an acute or historical sexual assault.
Mayor of Galway City, Cllr. Pearce Flannery presented the top award to CARI in recognition of their voluntary support for people in Galway City.
“This Group which provides invaluable support to people who are often at their most vulnerable is an example of the ethos that is at the core of volunteering.”
Other recipients of Mayor’s Awards for 2018 include Frank Colohan for his association with the Order of Malta and St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union and John Daly for his dedicated service with the Salthill Knocknacarra GAA club.
Over 80 individuals and groups received certificates from the Mayor in celebration of voluntary activity in community life in the city. The winners of the individual awards remained a closely guarded secret until the ceremony itself which was held in the Galmont Hotel in front of an audience of over 300 people. The Awards are organised by Galway City Council.
The recipients in each of the categories were:
Arts, Culture, Heritage & Cúrsaí Gaeilge Award — Fintan Sweeney, in recognition of his dedicated voluntary contribution with the Galway International Arts Festival
Residents’ & Local Areas Award – Liam Curran, for his dedication in leading and supporting the residents in the Whitehall Close Complex
Community Service & Social Inclusion Award — The Eglinton Hotel Direct Provision Accommodation Centre Resident’s Committee, for their commitment to improving the quality of life for the Residents in the Direct Provision Centre
Older Volunteer of the Year Award – Frank Colohan, for his many years of voluntary commitment to the Order of Malta and the St Anthony’s & Claddagh Credit Union.
Environmental Sustainability Award —Friends of Merlin Woods, in acknowledgement of their dedication and commitment to improving the environment around them
Sports Volunteer of the Year Award– John Daly, in recognition of his voluntary activities with the Salthill Knocknacarra GAA club.
Children and Youth Support Award – Cristina Iancu, for her dedication and energy in supporting Youth Activities in the ARD Family Resource Centre
oung Volunteer of the Year Award – Jason Sherlock, in recognition of his voluntary fundraising activities for a number of Groups within Galway.
Each of the winners received a Galway Crystal trophy and a cheque for €500.
