A series of events to revive and reinvigorate the Volunteer Youth Club sector in Cork will take place next month in a bid to ‘shake off the remnants of Covid-19 and get the sector back to its best’.
Cork ETB will host several Re-VIVE events across the city and county, describing them as ‘Volunteer Involvement and Validation Events’.
“Prior to Covid-19 lockdowns and restrictions, there were some 250 volunteer-led youth clubs operating right across Cork but a large number of them have not re-opened following the pandemic,” explained Cork ETB Youth Service Development Officer, Mick Finn. “A similar picture is being painted across the country and we want to do something about that.
“We are hoping to stoke up some interest in the sector in urban and rural Cork by organising informal events in areas where clubs are currently operating and where they were once in action, in a bid to recognise the efforts of those continuing to give their time and perhaps to recruit some new volunteers to help get the other clubs back up and running.”
Appreciation and recruitment nights will be held in Mallow, Charleville, Carrigaline, Cobh, Midleton, Clonakilty, Skibbereen, Macroom and Cork City throughout the month of November.
Cork ETB – which distributed over €270,000 this year to 125 clubs in the Local Youth Club Grant Scheme – will recognize, at these nights, the volunteers who do such fantastic work in their communities and will provide opportunities for training and upskilling for those who give their time week in, week out. We also plan to recognise individuals on the nights, nominated by clubs and organization, for outstanding or longstanding contributions.”
Anyone interested in these events are invited to attend, with light refreshments served from 6.30p.m. at each of the venues on the dates outlined. Cork ETB also welcomes those who have come through the volunteer sector, who might have an interest in telling their story to attend on one of these nights.
