Armagh Volunteers were recognised when The Big Walk came to visit ahead of Volunteers week.
Michael Conlon who walked 250 miles from Morecambe and across Northern Ireland came to Armagh to recognise the amazing community work delivered by voluntary projects across our region – shining a light on the volunteers at the heart of communities.
An initiative from Eden Project Communities, in partnership with the National Lottery Fund, The Big Walk met over 300 local community workers and volunteers at Dobbin Street Community Centre in Armagh highlighting the benefit of community volunteering
Michael thanked all of the groups and individuals for their community involvement and recognised the work of Volunteer Now Armagh & Dungannon, Armagh, Banbridge & Craigavon District Council, Southern Regional College and Clanrye Group putting local volunteering in the spotlight.
Grainne McCloskey Northern Ireland manager for Eden Project Communities who chose where Michael and The Big Walk team would visit and recognise said: “I am delighted to have been able to bring #TheBigWalk to Armagh – this National Lottery funded UK wide celebration of the people and projects that make our communities stronger is an initiative from the Eden Project, Armagh people have a strong reputation for their welcome and community spirit but we can all do more to support our communities by volunteering or looking out for our neighbours, we are delighted to recognise those who are walking the walk in Armagh.
Grainne added: “Here in Armagh volunteers make life changing efforts every day.
“This Volunteers Week, I would encourage anyone who benefits from volunteering to say thank you to those who make your community stronger and to consider giving a few hours or your time to your local community.
“Eamon Murphy from Volunteer Now can show you how easy it is to give a few hours without even leaving home doing Mobile Volunteering and that is something most of us who live busy lives could still fit in.”
More than 30 organisations and groups participated including Marie Curie, Inspire, Triple A, Armagh Mens Shed , Community support, Cancer Focus, REACT and many more.
