A local volunteer centre with more than 7,000 people on its books has contributed an estimated €3.5 million hours worth of volunteering to the local community.
This represents a return of almost €6 for every €1 received in funding by Galway Volunteer Centre, which opened in 2006 and is based at 17 Mill Street.
According to new national research volunteer centres play a vital role in promoting volunteering and helping non-profit and community organisations find volunteers. After word of mouth they are the primary source of volunteers for organisations.
Welcoming the research findings Galway Volunteer Centre says it shows that the centre model is an effective way for the public to find voluntary work and for organisations to source volunteers.
Donncha Foley, the development manager of Galway volunteer centre, outlines that since the facility opened six years ago it has been inundated with people eager to volunteer and by organisations which “desperately need help” to maintain and expand the valuable services they provide in the community.
“We believe that our statistics shows that Galway Volunteer Centre is exceptional value for tax payers’ money.”
The report also indicates that many organisations need support managing volunteers from providing training and supervision to motivating them.
Mr Foley says any local organisations experiencing these challenges should contact the centre for support and advice.
“We can provided volunteer management training or meet with organisations on a one-to-one basis. Our staff have built up a lot of experience from working with over 400 organisations and we are more than happy to meet with any organisations experiencing difficulties. We also can provide access to Garda vetting.”
If you are interested in volunteering or are an organisation which needs support working with volunteers contact Galway Volunteer Centre at (091 ) 539930 or email [email protected] or log onto www.volunteergalway.ie
