Entries by Serve

Hike Carrauntoohil for SERVE

March 7, 2023 in /by

Hike Carrauntoohil for SERVE

Saturday May 6TH 2023



Register Now

Days to Go

0 Days



May 6, 2023

09:00



Cronin's Yard, Mealis, Beaufort

Killarney, Co. Kerry



Fundraising

€200 per person

Climb Carrauntoohil to help SERVE fight poverty 

Looking for Irish charity challenge ideas? Want to raise money for charity?

Join the Carrauntoohil Hike on May 6th to support SERVE.

 

Do you accept the challenge to hike the highest mountain of Ireland?

This is your opportunity to meet other climbers, adventure lovers and more like minded people who want to give back.

Carrauntoohil is 3,407ft high. That’s  numerous memories and countless steps for you.

* Are you looking for new memories?

* Are you looking for a new challenge with friends?

* Are you simply looking to celebrate your birthday with an unforgettable adventure?

Then, Carrauntoohil awaits you!

 

When you take each step to climb this mountain to support SERVE, you will  fight poverty.

This challenge represents the hardships of the communities we work with in our 7 partner countries.

Your fundraising target is €200. All funds raised will go towards:

  • * education and employment skills,
  • * entrepreneurship opportunities,
  • * community development and
  • * access to wheelchairs

When you complete this event you will receive a certificate, a SERVE T- shirt and a water bottle to show you our deep gratitude and to mark your achievement.

Are you ready to scale this incredible mountain?

Support Irish charity SERVE, and sign up for this challenge today!

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this event is in aid of:

SERVE's work in 7 countries

SERVE’s varied programmes impact marginalised young people in India, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.

For eg: SERVE works with partners to provide educational, entrepreneurship and skills training programmes for up to 5,000 young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to tackle the unemployment crisis.

All your queries

This challenge is for persons age 18+.

It’s strongly advised that you are in good health and have a reasonable fitness level.

Prior hiking experience is not essential, but training will be required in preparation for the event.

Your fundraising target is €200

All the funds you raise will go to the work SERVE does in 7 countries to end poverty.

The different types of projects we’re involved with are as follows:

  • * education and employment skills,
  • * entrepreneurship opportunities,
  • * community development and
  • * access to wheelchairs
 

For any queries please contact us directly.

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Postcard from Nollaig in Zimbabwe

Nollaig Hulme is the SERVE Monitoring and Evaluations officer based in Zimbabwe. In the first postcard, Nollaig details first impressions while settling in.

RebeccaAtkinsonSkydivesForSERVE!


Rebecca sky dives for SERVE

Rebecca skydives for SERVE In the summer of 2022 past SERVE volunteer Rebecca Atkinson jumped off a plane safely to fulfill a life-long goal and

SERVE Flirt FM takeover


SERVE on Flirt FM

Team SERVE takes over Flirt FM – March 2022 SERVE on Flirt FM Nollaig Hulme and Paula Quigley from Team SERVE take over Flirt FM.

Meet Sophie Lyons, new member of Team SERVE

February 25, 2023 in /by

SERVE welcomes Sophie Lyons

We welcome Sophie Lyons to Team SERVE in the role of Fundraising and Events Administrator. Sophie writes a short blog to introduce herself.

Sophie Lyons joins Team SERVE




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My first volunteer experience was in secondary school. My school was always holding bake sales and encouraging us to fundraise for various charities around town.
 
But I don’t think I fully appreciated the impact and significance of charities like SERVE until my education opened my eyes to all the injustices that still exist in the world.
 
I think it was difficult to understand in school how a bake sale could help someone halfway around the world.
 
My education, on the other hand, has taught me the value of volunteering and fundraising.
 
I earned a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and health from MTU and a master’s degree in public health from UL.
 
My MSc in Public Health introduced me to a wide range of people and highlighted many of the fundamental rights that people are still fighting for.
 
I believe that volunteering or assisting charities in any way possible pushes you to grow in many ways while also contributing to the fight against social injustices.
 
I am excited to begin my journey with SERVE and see how far I can push myself, learn along the way, and hopefully make a difference in the world where it matters.

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Welcome Laura Canning

“Volunteering pushes you outside of your comfort zone..” Laura Canning joins Team SERVE in the role of Global Citizenship Education and Volunteer Programme Coordinator. Laura

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Donate to SERVE

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.





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Joyful time at (Re)New Tidings

February 7, 2023 in /by

Joyful time at (Re)New Tidings

SERVE, collage artist Silvio Severino, Cork Zero Waste, Cork Clothes Swap and Cork Repair Cafe joined forces to host (Re)New Tidings. This was a family friendly event held in Scala on 29th Jan.














There was collage making, swap shops for clothes, plants, recipes, repair stations and ofcourse the Global Goals Trail.

Everyone enjoyed their time connecting, sharing and learning more about re-use and repair culture.

Paula Quigley, SERVE’s Programme and Administration Manager explains, “(Re)New Tidings was a collaborative effort between us and Cork-based community groups. We all hope it will inspire others to come together and spark conversations about sustainability in all aspects of our life.”








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Novojavoriosk_SERVE_Redmptorists_Ukraine Donate to SERVE Ukraine Appeal Irish charity


Solidarity with Ukraine

Solidarity with Ukraine Irish Charity SERVE like so many other citizens and groups are deeply perplexed by the unfolding tragedy being inflicted on the Ukrainian


Meet Omega

By Rory Murphy As the years go by and the memories fade, I suspect one thing, above all else, will remain with me from my

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Postcard from Nollaig in Zimbabwe

February 1, 2023 in , , /by

"I am learning everyday."

Nollaig Hulme is the SERVE Monitoring and Evaluations officer based in Zimbabwe. Nollaig sends a postcard detailing first impressions.

Nollaig Hulme at Young Africa office (Jan 2023)




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I have been in Zimbabwe for a little over 2 weeks now. However, when I look back my journey here began in late 2017 when, as a college student, I decided to sign up to the SERVE Volunteer Programme.

Fast forward to July 2018 and I am volunteering at the Young Africa Campus in Beira, Mozambique with SERVE. From there I continued working with SERVE by volunteering in Vietnam in 2019 and being involved in ‘Think Global Act Local’ and the ESC funded Global Goals project.

I then became SERVE’s GCE and Volunteer Programme Coordinator. Since my first introduction to Young Africa through SERVE in 2018, I knew I wanted to get more involved. So, when the opportunity arose to become SERVE’s Regional Monitoring and Evaluation Officer based at the Young Africa International Hub in Harare, Zimbabwe, I knew it was not an opportunity I could pass up.

Which brings me to now, writing this from the Hub in Harare where I have been welcomed with open arms by everyone and feeling like I have been here a lot longer than 2 weeks. I have gotten straight into work at the Hub and visiting two of the YA centres in Chitungwiza and Epworth. In my first week here I spent a day visiting these centres and collecting the beginnings of what will turn out to be Impact Stories for students who have just enrolled as new students in Young Africa.

Hearing stories from the students about what they have endured so far in life can very rapidly put things into perspective for this eager westerner who has chosen to move here, as I am reminded that this country has one of the highest rates of unemployment at 95% (from anecdotal evidence) and to not take my position and privileges for granted.

While many of my friends back home in Ireland emigrate to Australia/New Zealand/Canada, I am very thankful to be able to do something a little different and spend time here.

Nollaig Hulme with students and their Machine Shop teacher John at the Young Africa campus in Chitungwiza

I am learning every day, not just about development work but about Zimbabwean history and culture. I thought I had a good grasp on it already but there are some things you can only learn and experience by being here.

My colleagues have been teaching me Shona and about Zimbabwean life, bringing different local food into the office to try. Despite my experience so far being full of positives, there has been some challenges too.

Moving to a new continent by yourself is difficult, but then there is the addition of getting exposed to some of the challenges of everyday Zimbabwean life – the lack of electricity to name just one. Although I am lucky enough to not be affected as much by these issues as those young people we work with on an everyday basis.

2023 is a big year for both Young Africa and SERVE. Young Africa are celebrating their 25th Anniversary and SERVE are celebrating their 20th Anniversary, which also means YA and SERVE are celebrating 15 years in partnership.

It is quite the monumental year to be involved in both and to celebrate all that we have achieved and what is yet to come.

You could say that my decision that day in the UCC library to sign up to the SERVE Volunteer Programme has been quite life changing and I look forward to the opportunities and challenges that I am about to have here.

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Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.





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Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans

January 20, 2023 in , , , , , , , , /by

Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans









SERVE and Young Africa have come together to create the ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans’ project. 

This project will take place between January 2023 and June 2025.

SERVE and Young Africa have worked together since 2008.



Project deliverables

Graduation Day at Young Africa Mozambique

Donor and Partner

What will this project achieve?

The highlights of the ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project are building the Young Africa eLearning platform and developing a digital Postgraduate Service Toolbox

The project upholds the right to education for vulnerable youth across Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.

It will ensure quality access to skills training for over 8000 students. These students will be able to realise their full potential and fight poverty.

Young Africa Beira Mozambique
Young Africa Beira Mozambique campus
Mechanical student Young Africa Mozambique
Mechanical student Young Africa Mozambique
Computer classroom Young Africa Mozambique
Computer Training Classroom Young Africa Mozambique
Graduation Day at Young Africa Mozambique
Graduation Day at Young Africa Mozambique
SERVE volunteers with Young Africa Students in Mozambique
SERVE volunteers with Young Africa Students in Mozambique

Student in the computer lab at Young Africa centre in Dondo, Mozambique, funded by SERVE
Student in the computer lab at Young Africa centre in Dondo, Mozambique, funded by SERVE

Working with Spur Technologies to Develop the YA eLearning Platform

We are working with Spur Technologies (Uganda) to develop the eLearning Platform for Young Africa students in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia. The Platform will host 14 training programmes. This Platform will be disseminated to external training organisations in Africa. 
 
Spur Technologies will also integrate an improved digital monitoring and evaluation system to keep track of students’ progress.
 
Students in 11 African countries will gain from this work through Young Africa’s programme dissemination work.
 
This enhances the learning experience for students across 14 disciplines. The platform will also help Young Africa staff deliver online training in life skills, entrepreneurship and ICT.

Working with SALEM Technology Group

We are working with SALEM Technology Group (Lebanon) to develop a digital Postgraduate Service Toolbox (PGST).

This will be a ‘one stop shop’ for YA graduates (and graduates of dissemination partners) to provide career guidance, mentorship opportunities and links with job opportunities in the private sector.

The PGST will be available as a website and mobile application.

Young Africa Mozambique Graduation 2024
Young Africa Mozambique Graduation 2024

Project Deliverables

These deliverables are the key results of the project as agreed with the Donor.

Read details

Read report

Read review

Read details in English or in Portuguese.

Read details

Read manual in English or in Portuguese

Read details

Read technical brochure

Read the public brochure

Read more

The ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project will be implemented by SERVE and Young Africa between January 2023 and June 2025.

SERVE is an international development NGO based in Ireland. SERVE’s work focuses on young people, especially in the area of vocational training and employment.

Young Africa is a confederation of independent NGOs and includes Young Africa International Netherlands, Young Africa International Africa Hub (Zimbabwe), Young Africa Zimbabwe, Young Africa Mozambique and Skills2Live Zambia.

Young Africa provides holistic and accredited Vocational Education and Training (VET) to marginalised youth through 6-12 month training courses in 46 disciplines, life skills, entrepreneurship and Information and Communications Technology (ICT). Young Africa has a dissemination network with 23 organisations across 11 African countries whereby it shares successful models of its work.

SERVE and Young Africa have worked together since 2008.

The ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project is co-funded by the EU Erasmus+ Fund, SERVE and Young Africa.

Note:

SERVE is the Coordinator, Young Africa International (Young Africa Netherlands and Young Africa Hub) are Beneficiaries, and two Young Africa Affiliates are Affiliated Entities. Young Africa’s dissemination network will also benefit from this project.

The objectives of the ‘Digital Vocational Education and Training for Young Africans‘ project are:

(1) Coordinating implementation of the Project Workplan and achievement of Project Deliverables;

(2) Young Africa’s eLearning Platform available for 8,150 disadvantaged youth across Southern and Eastern Africa;

(3) Young Africa’s Postgraduate Service Toolbox (PGST) contributes to a substantial increase in the percentage of Young Africa graduates in employment;

(4) Two Young Africa Affiliates and 23 dissemination partners using the PGST across Africa;

(5) Two new Young Africa models (eLearning & Postgraduate Service Toolbox) will be integrated into the Young Africa Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system and 73 Young Africa and dissemination partner staff trained in the Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning system leading to improved data driven performance;

(6) Evaluate the impact, successes, challenges and lessons learned of the Project; 

(7) Increase awareness about Digital Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Africa amongst 50 policymakers and 3,500 members of the public in Ireland and the Netherlands.

The project will be delivered through the following five Work Packages:

(1) Coordination and Management

(2) Development of the Young Africa eLearning Platform

(3) Development of the Young Africa digital Postgraduate Service Toolbox

(4) Improvement of the Young Africa Monitoring Evaluation and Learning System

(5) Impact and Dissemination

Young Africa Students in the computer classroom at the centre


Computer Training Classroom Young Africa Mozambique


Miss Ireland, Jasmine Gerhardt at Young Afrca zimbabwe Graduation, 2024

Disclaimer

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA) – the Granting Authority. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

Run-a-Muck for SERVE

January 4, 2023 in , , , /by

Run-a-Muck Challenge

Saturday MARCH 4TH 2023



Registration is now closed

Days to Go

0 Days



March 4, 2023

11:00



Coolcarrigan Estate

Co. Kildare



Entry Fee

€40.00 per person

Run-a-muck Challenge

Looking for Irish charity challenge ideas? Want to raise money for charity? Join the Run-a-Muck challenge on March 4th for a fun mud run challenge to support SERVE.

Run-a-muck is one of the best charity challenges in Ireland. It is a 5.5km run through the muck while crossing 50 obstacles.  

SERVE has 20 years of experience in international development. This challenge has been completed by over 50 SERVE volunteers over the years. They did it to show their solidarity by fundraising and enduring the physical hardship of this challenge.

This challenge represents the hardships of the communities we work with in our 7 partner countries. Help SERVE to help others. 

Your fundraising target is €100/£95. All funds raised will provide:

  • * education and employment skills,
  • * entrepreneurship opportunities,
  • * community development and
  • * access to wheelchairs

When you complete this event you will receive a certificate, a SERVE T- shirt and a water bottle to show you our deep gratitude and to mark your achievement.

Support Irish charity SERVE, and sign up for this challenge today!

Share This









this event is in aid of:

SERVE's work in 7 countries

SERVE’s varied programmes impact marginalised young people in India, Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Zambia.

For eg: SERVE works with partners to provide educational, entrepreneurship and skills training programmes for up to 5,000 young people in Zimbabwe and Mozambique to tackle the unemployment crisis.

All your queries

This challenge is for persons age 18+.

Runners must be in good health and have a reasonable fitness level.

Prior running experience is not essential, but training will be required in preparation for the event.

The booking fee is €36. Your fundraising target is €100/£95. 

The booking fee covers the following:

  • – registration costs,
  • – fundraising support from the SERVE team and
  • – light refreshments after the race

All the funds you raise will go to the work SERVE does in 7 countries to end poverty.

 

For any queries please contact us directly.









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Solidarity Buzz SERVE Team 2022


SERVE Solidarity Buzz ’22

2022 SERVE Solidarity Buzz Annual newsletter Solidarity is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. Working from the principle that

RebeccaAtkinsonSkydivesForSERVE!


Rebecca sky dives for SERVE

Rebecca skydives for SERVE In the summer of 2022 past SERVE volunteer Rebecca Atkinson jumped off a plane safely to fulfill a life-long goal and

SERVE Solidarity Buzz ’22

December 19, 2022 in , /by

2022

SERVE Solidarity

Buzz



Annual newsletter














Solidarity is a firm and persevering determination to commit oneself to the common good. Working from the principle that Charity is fine, but Justice is much better – SERVE during 2022 redoubled its efforts to support our international partners in Africa and Asia, helping to create educational and employment opportunities for thousands of young people while also proactively removing barriers for people with disabilities to ensure full participation in educational and employment programmes.

Supporting emergency relief projects in the Philippines, Zimbabwe, India, South Africa, and Ukraine, SERVE also helped deliver humanitarian support to COVID-impacted communities and vulnerable families afflicted by war.

From Pen-Pal initiatives connecting students in Ireland, Vietnam, Germany, and Zambia to a dynamic culture night at Scala, to new fundraising initiatives like the five-a-side soccer tournament in Cork- the furtherance of the Sustainable Development Goals drives all SERVE activities.

A heartfelt expression of gratitude to all the diverse pillars central to Team SERVE – our volunteers and staff, our generous benefactors, our partners in Ireland and overseas, our board members, and our friends. Blessings in abundance for Christmas 2022 and the new year.

– Gerry O’Connor, Chairperson





Read 2022 Annual Newsletter

Solidarity in Action

For a better world

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.



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Few photos from 2022

Philip Hulme and Sinead Mulry win 2022 Volunteer Awards


SERVE looks forward to working closely with Fr. George, the Director of Sumanahalli.


Rory with Team Young Africa Zambia


Dan Lynch paints giant SERVE flip flops


Easter celebrations at Assumption Parish, Mazabuka, Zambia (2022)



SERVE volunteer, Ibrahim Salaou, receiving the Bronze Award. Photo credit: Jorge Ruiz Villasante


Catriona & Nollaig represent SERVE at The Wheel Summit 2022


5-a-side Tournament in Cork


5-a-side Tournament in Cork


Cork Culture Night 2022


Culture Night planning team

Rebecca sky dives for SERVE

December 1, 2022 in , /by

Rebecca skydives for SERVE

In the summer of 2022 past SERVE volunteer Rebecca Atkinson jumped off a plane safely to fulfill a life-long goal and to support our work. 

RebeccaAtkinsonSkydivesForSERVE!
Rebecca Atkinson skiy dives for SERVE




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Rebecca is currently studying in fourth year of Architectural Technology in TUD. Rebecca also plays camogie with my local club Good Counsel and is a cellist with the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra. 

Rebecca’s volunteering journey began with SERVE in 2017 when she was in 5th year in Colaiste Cois Life. After a year of preparations with SERVE, her class when to volunteer with the Tsholofelo community in South Africa. 

Rebecca explains, “The whole process even before we got to South Africa was very educational and valuable as we learned the values and goals of SERVE as a charity and the importance of the type of work we would be doing in South Africa. The immersion program itself was an unforgettable experience and it still gives me goosebumps thinking about it! We stayed in the Tsholofelo community that was also home to some local South Africans who were the same ages as us. We painted and did groundwork in the two local creches during the day and in the evening, we did cultural exchanges and workshops. The whole experience gave me a rich knowledge and understanding of South Africa’s culture and history”. 

Rebecca has always wanted to go skydiving but had the fear of heights growing up. Today, Rebecca is not as afraid of heights and her friend suggested they do it together so that Rebecca could fulfill her dream.

 

Rebecca explains, “My friend & I found that the Irish Skydive Club in Kilkenny allows you to do a fundraiser for a charity. For me, it was a no-brainer that I would fundraise for SERVE. Since my immersion programme I have found SERVE very easy to donate to, I have asked for their gifts as presents for birthdays and Christmas and bought them for friends and family, a personal favourite of mine is their cookbook! Because all the donations I had made to SERVE were small I thought the skydive would be a great way to make my friends and family aware of SERVE again.”

 

Rebecca raised €436 for SERVE. SERVE Programmes Manager Paula Quigley said, “We can’t thank Rebecca enough for being a champion of the Global Goals and supporting the work we do. She overcame a personal challenge and fulfilled her dream. She has done this in solidarity with partners we work with in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and India. Rebecca has helped raise vital funds for SERVE and it will help us continue our work with them.” 

Rebecca adds, “I really admire SERVE’s values in development and work as a charity and am still very grateful for the immersion programme I was a part of, hopefully that won’t be my last or my last skydive either!”

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Irish charity SERVE works in South Africa with Tsholofelo


SERVE and Tsholofelo

SERVE’s Development Work with Tsholofelo Dressmaking skills training class at Freedom Park About Tsholofelo Tsholofelo has a long history of working with people in squatter camps

become a donor

Donate to SERVE

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.





donate now

Thank you UCC 98.3FM!

November 25, 2022 in , /by

Thank you UCC 98.3FM

 SERVE’s Nollaig Hulme spoke to past SERVE intern and volunteer Catriona Reid on UCC 98.3 FM.

(Right) Nollaig and Catriona in the UCC 98.3 FM studio and (left) Catriona in a giant flip flop earlier this year




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become a donor

Donate to SERVE

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.





donate now

Huge wins at Cork Volunteer Awards 2022

November 15, 2022 in , , , /by

Huge wins at Cork Volunteer Awards 2022

SERVE volunteers Philip Hulme received the South City Volunteer Award and Sinéad Mulry received the Student Award at the Cork Volunteer Awards 2022

SERVE huge wins at Cork Volunteer Awards 2022
Team SERVE with (3rd from left) Philip Hulme with Sinead Mulry (2nd from right)




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The SERVE team attended the fourth annual Cork Volunteer Awards Ceremony at the Kingsley Hotel on 4 November. The awards recognise volunteers across a wide range of categories in Cork City and County and is run by Cork Volunteer Centre.

Two of our wonderful volunteers were awarded on the night, Philip Hulme received the South City Volunteer Award and Sinéad Mulry received the Student Award. It was great to see our volunteers receive awards and acknowledgment for all the hard work they do for SERVE and of course a chance to celebrate with their friends and family on night.

Sinead Mulry  has volunteered with SERVE since 2019  and is a proactive leader of the SERVE @ Home Cork group. Sinead joined SERVE as an intern in 2020 and during lock down helped publish the SERVE’d Up Cook-book. Sinead continues to offer her helping hand to SERVE regularly.

Sinead says, “When I started with SERVE, it was the start of the pandemic… During my time with SERVE, I did a bit of everything – anything that could be done to raise awareness. My favourite thing about SERVE is the people in it…. They are what make SERVE a beautiful environment to volunteer in.” You can watch the full video featuring our word of thanks to Sinead on Facebook here.

The awards ceremony was a lovely evening to come together with other voluntary and charitable organisations and to celebrate the great work volunteers do all over Cork. Congratulations to Ini Usanga of Love and Care for People who won the overall C103 Cork Volunteer of the Year.

Best of Luck also to our volunteer Philip Hulme who has been nominated for a Volunteer Ireland Award.

Philip has been part of SERVE since 2003 volunteering in Rustenburg, South Africa – where he drove the bus for the volunteers. He is also an enthusiastic member of the SERVE family. Philip is a man of wonderful fundraising ideas like the recently held 5-a-side Soccer Tournament. We’re grateful for his generosity and creativity. You can watch the full video featuring our word of thanks to Philip on Facebook here.

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become a donor

Donate to SERVE

Join us today in helping to provide equal opportunities for communities living in poverty across the globe.





donate now