COPE Galway celebrated the extraordinary contribution of its volunteers last week, as part of National Volunteering Week (18–24 May ).
A special recognition event held which honoured more than 250 volunteers whose time, compassion and commitment support the organisation’s work across their homeless, domestic abuse and senior support services.
As COPE Galway marks its 60th anniversary this year, the organisation is reflecting on its origins as a volunteer-led initiative founded in December 1965, and the vital role volunteers continue to play today. “Volunteering is woven through the entire history of COPE Galway,” said Volunteer Coordinator Lucia Canavan.
“From its very beginnings, people in the community stepped forward to support others. Today, with a committed network of 257 volunteers across 35 roles, that spirit is as strong as ever. Quite simply, we couldn’t do what we do without their support.”
Last year, volunteers gave over 33,000 hours of their time to the charity. They contribute in a wide variety of ways, including kitchen and delivery support in the charity’s social enterprise Meals4Health, roles in homework and activity clubs, befriending, charity shops, outreach, fundraising and as Board members. “Our volunteer team spans all ages, skills and backgrounds from every corner of our community,” Lucia added.
“We also work with over 25 companies and businesses in Galway who send teams to support practical projects and share their skills. We’re incredibly grateful too for others who volunteer at key times of the year, especially during the Christmas period.”
COPE Galway emphasises that volunteering is a two-way process, supporting wellbeing, connection and a stronger sense of community. This social impact is felt not only by people supported through COPE Galway services, but by volunteers themselves.
Mary Delaney, who offers practical help through weekly befriending visits, shared: “You feel like you’ve brought a bit of light into someone’s life – you get great satisfaction from it.”
Volunteer Retail Assistant, Amy Hallet, highlighted the sense of connection: “What really makes volunteering so powerful for me is the amazing people I’ve met, from fellow volunteers to staff, to our wonderful customers and our clients. Everybody’s made me feel so welcome and so at home – it’s like a little family!”
Chicago native Michael O’Malley, a Food Rescue Volunteer added: “When you come to a new city, you don’t know many people, so I thought I’d volunteer… It gives you a feeling of being involved and part of the community.”
The organisation’s volunteer programme reflects its core belief that communities are strengthened when people come together to support one another. This message resonates strongly with this year’s National Volunteering Week theme, “From Every Corner, For Every Cause,” which celebrates the ripple effect of volunteering across communities in Ireland and globally, particularly in this International Year of Volunteering.
“As we celebrate 60 years, it’s fitting to recognise that COPE Galway was built by volunteers and continues to be sustained by them,” Lucia added. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who gives their time, skills, energy and passion. If you’ve ever thought about volunteering, we’d encourage you to give it a try – you might find it makes a difference in more ways than you expect.”
COPE Galway offers roles to suit every skillset.
To learn more about volunteering opportunities and how to get involved, visit copegalway.ie/volunteer
