Calor, Ireland’s leading supplier of rural energy solutions, has this week announced the shortlist of nominees for the Community Champion 2013. The all-island initiative is now entering its second year, after an unprecedented response in 2012. Following several weeks of intense nominating, they have received entries from every corner of Mayo. Tom Jennings has been shortlisted as the Mayo nominee for the Community Champion initiative.
Castlebar native Tom is the epitome of a local community champion, giving and supporting those around him while not looking for a reward or time in the spotlight. He has volunteered and given back to his community for more than 30 years with the Castlebar Order of Malta. He has helped the organisation as a first aider, ambulance driver, and as the officer in charge for the past five years.
Commenting on his work with the Order of Malta, Tom said, “I feel very proud to be involved with this great organisation. The Order of Malta is a great way to meet people and to share first aid. I know many nurses, doctors, and ambulance personnel who came through the ranks of Castlebar Order of Malta. I believe that young people who get involved in the community through the unit make better people and go on to be better people, giving to the sick and the poor. I’ve volunteered with Castlebar Order of Malta for so long because it’s like a family. Everyone in it is like a brother or sister and if you need somebody to talk to there is always someone to listen to you”.
It is time to support your county man and to show true community spirit, so support Tom to help him be in with a chance to be crowned Community Champion 2013 and make Mayo the home of this year’s winner of the competition. The winner of the Calor Community Champion 2013 will receive €1,500 and a bursary of €7,500 to give to his/her nominated charity or local organisation. The two runners-up will each receive €500. Calor is even throwing in €500 for the person or organisation that nominated them.
Voting is now open to everyone through the Calor Facebook page. To support your local hero, Tom Jennings, and play your part in helping him to be recognised as the Calor Community Champion for 2013 could not be easier, visit the gallery of nominees to see who is representing your county, and read their ‘pitch’ for your vote at www.facebook.com/calorireland The public will have till November 8 to vote for their favourite and the top four local champions and two wildcards will make it through to the final phase.
The winner will be chosen by a judging panel led by TV and radio personality, Síle Seoige, and including legendary GAA and sports broadcaster Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh and Mary Geraty from Calor. The Calor Community Champion 2013 will be announced on November 13.
