Aisling Barratt, Cappagh, Co. Limerick (aged 16)
Hey there! My name is Aisling Barratt. I’m sixteen and I live in a lovely little place where the sense of community is very strong. I’ve just finished “Transition Year” this year and I reckon it was during this year that “something clicked!” I’ve come to realise just what “Volunteering” means to me and how it has changed my life dramatically over the last few months. I’ve only just come to realise the huge effort people in my area give, to make it a better place for everyone. Somehow it’s only now I realise how much I took it for granted and how thankful I am.
I was never really the shy, retiring type, yet I never would have used my initiative and gone out there and got involved. I got the push I needed when I began helping out once a week with my local “Community Games” table-tennis team. This I did as part of my “Bronze Gaisce” or Presidents Award Program. It was once a week for one hour – not much to begin with, but, gradually as time went on I began to realise how much I was enjoying it and how much I was contributing to the community and particularly it’s younger members. It’s all about giving back to the children today what was given to me and many more like me when I was their age. If people had’nt given up some of their time to set up and maintain the “Community Games” throughout the country, it wouldn’t be here today catering for over half a million children. This is my way of showing how grateful I am to all those people who gave up their time for “Community Games” which became such an important part of my childhood.
I also help in my local radio station (West Limerick 102FM) which relies almost entirely on Volunteers. I know now that Volunteering is not just about giving up your time……there is real payback! It’s a very rewarding experience for you too! You gain a lot of confidence in yourself and your ability to do things you never thought were possible. You attain new skills and talents and unearth positive things about yourself you never knew you possessed!! And, with so many people all chipping in for the same cause it’s a great place to meet new faces and make lasting friends. Since the start of the year my phone book has definitely filled up.
I don’t think I could ever explain and convey the whole value and worth of Volunteering by just writing about it. I’ve only just begun on a journey that has already proved to be so rewarding. Many people can’t get over the fact that I would just give of my time without being financially or materially paid. They ask me “why do you do it?” This puzzles and amazes me – “Why not?” – that’s what I’d like an answer to. Especially when I look at all I’ve gained from Volunteering and the impact it has already had on me. – Weigh it up……….what have you got to lose?…..and then what have you got to gain ?? I’d definitely recommend giving Volunteering a go! You just might be pleasantly surprised. It’s one of the best things that I have ever done!
Aisling Barratt, Cappagh, Co.Limerick (Aged 16 years)
Volunteering when you’re getting close to retiring
I arrived in Abbeyfeale in 1987 and I always remember my first Sunday at Mass and looking around the church and realizing that I did not know a soul and then the collection was taken up and the collector was a man who used travel for Nash’s and call to the hotel in Killarney that I worked in and suddenly I felt connected. .Time moved on and gradually I got to know people but I remained very much on the periphery because when you don’t have children you miss out on the parent teacher meetings, the gatherings at the music classes, sports days etc. and so when I was asked by a neighbour to stand on a church gate collection and then to help with a dance for a local charity I was delighted because I felt accepted.
Volunteering has brought with it great gifts. I have received specalist training in first aid from the Red Cross, public speaking with Toastmasters, leadership with Foroige, broadcasting skills with WL102, secretarial skills with Community Alert, public relations skills with the Farmers’ Market and much more. I have gained self esteem, knowledge. friendships, confidence, leadership skills, courage to take on things that years ago I would have felt were way beyond me. In truth I have gained far more than I have ever given.
Volunteers in any community provide skills and expertise at no cost, enable events to be held as in the Red Cross attending sporting events which would not be covered by insurance without their presence, act as leaders at youth clubs thus providing a safe envirnoment for children to meet and socialize after school, fund raise for sports clubs etc etc. They are a very neccessary part of any community and are the backbone to the healthy functioning of that community. The Commandment that we are asked to live our life by is ‘ Love thy neighbour as thyself’. Volunteering is practicing that.
Marian Hartnett , Abbeyfeale, Co.Limerick
Volunteering in your Teens
I am a 17-year-old student in Newcastle West Co. Limerick. I have been doing volunteer work for 2 years now and from these 2 years I have gained so much confidence, pride and a lot of knowledge.It all began when I started Transition Year in my school. I was, along with my class, entered to obtain the “Gaisce” meaning the ”Presidents Award” . For this we had to undertake volunteer work. It all began when I started Transition Year in my school. I was, along with my class, entered to obtain the “Gaisce” meaning the ”Presidents Award” . For this we had to undertake volunteer work. Then I became more and more interested. After receiving my Bronze medal I decided I didn’t want it to finish there, so, I decided to go on and get my Silver Gaisce Award, which I am still working on as it is harder to attain than the Bronze.
I am a Junior Leader in my local Youth Club and love it so much. We refurbished our club and all the members now love spending their Friday nights there. The biggest thing that has happened to me since doing volunteer work has been my life changing experience in Kenya. W hen I decided to go on and do my Silver Gaisce Award I became a member of the “Africa Alive Committee” in my school. This was when I got the opportunity to travel to Kenya with a group of 32 people all involved with the organisation “Self Help” to see what the money was being used for that we had raised. I have also had the opportunity to train and coach a Girls Basketball team. This is brilliant as I love Basketball and really enjoy getting to know all the girls. I get to do this training with one of my really good friends. This doesn’t feel like work it’s more enjoyment than anything. Whatsmore these girls have achieved a Bronze medal in this years Community Games, so all the hard work paid off.
This volunteer work has also given a huge opportunity to become more involved in my school. I am now Treasurer of the Senior Student Council. Volunteer work gave me these opportunities. Now I know that volunteer work is something I want to be part of my life and me forever. I would encourage everyone to get involved now and make the most of it. Volunteer work is something that is so rewarding when you have it done and just think of how good it will all look when you hand your C.V. to an employer. ever forget that a little help goes a long way and to understand and appreciate this you need to get out there and do this volunteer work instead of just praising those who do it!!!
Patricia Corbett (17 Years) Newcastle West