Offaly Volunteer Centre launches inspiring 2024 Report to kick off National Volunteering Week

THIS week marks National Volunteering Week 2025, and to kick off the celebrations, the Board and Management of Offaly Volunteer Centre (OVC) have launched their 2024 Annual Report on Monday. The launch is one of the key events in the week-long celebration themed "Creating Communities", and promises to highlight not just the numbers, but the powerful human stories behind volunteering in Offaly.

The 2024 report is described by the OVC team as “jam-packed with facts and figures”, but its true heart lies in the narratives and photographs from across the county- from Birr to Edenderry, Tullamore to Daingean, that capture the spirit of local volunteers.

Deirdre Fox, Manager of Offaly Volunteer Centre, emphasised the deeper significance of the report:

“We compile a report every year for a number of reasons. As time goes on and with this being our fifth year, we see the value of them quite apart from the hard facts and data. We see them now as a social document of sorts. It's so lovely to have them to look back upon as time progresses.”

She continued:“It was literally impossible to include all the great things that happen nearly every day,” Deirdre added. “Some small acts are huge achievements for some people who might find it hard to face out into the world.”

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The 2024 edition includes inspiring new stories, such as the formation of the Rhode Steam and Engineering Club, a grassroots innovation that’s shows how people with an idea, can turn their dreams into reality. There’s also a remarkable story of volunteering tourism, where an Australian visitor chose to become part of the Birr Vintage Parade, integrating volunteering into her European adventure.

Molly Buckley, recently appointed as Chairperson of the Board, reflected on the significance of the report:

“I have been involved with OVC since its inception, and I look forward to the publication of these reports more than anything else. It's so great to see the work condensed into one document. It reinforces the value of the work being done by organisations and volunteers all over the county.”

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The launch event will serve as a moment to celebrate the countless individuals and groups who contribute to making Offaly a vibrant, connected, and compassionate place to live. Through compelling stories and vibrant imagery, the report serves not only as a record but as a call to action and inspiration for others to get involved.

Keep up to date with all the activities on OVC’s social media platforms.