A Mullingar-based charity shop founder has been shortlisted for an award in this year’s Volunteer Ireland Awards.
Brian Fagan, who established Brian’s Treasure Chest in 2009, has been nominated in the social work category and is one of 31 volunteers on the shortlist in Ireland’s major annual volunteer recognition event.
An overall Volunteer of the Year and 10 category awardees will be announced on Thursday December 5 in Dublin City Hall at a Volunteer Ireland awards ceremony supported by Panadol and hosted by RTÉ presenter Keelin Shanley.
Brian Fagan established the charity shop Brian’s Treasure Chest in Mullingar in February 2009 to raise much-needed funds for local charities. Through the shop he has raised substantial funds for many local charities and community groups. Brian has been involved in a number of different charities and initiatives over the years.
A former aid worker in war-torn Yugoslavia, he became involved with the Romanian Children’s Trust in 1995, and Irish charities Concern and GOAL in 1998 and 2001. He also volunteers with the Simon Community and other smaller charities. Each year he fasts for 48 hours and sleeps out in Mullingar’s Market Square in aid of the Simon Community.
Catherine Lawlor who nominated Brian for a Volunteer Ireland Award said: “He has given his entire life to volunteering in one way or another. The difference he makes to people’s lives cannot be put into words. He is the most generous person I have ever encountered in my life.”
