Young Hearts Lend a Helping Hand Ray Darcy celebrates the work of Barnardos volunteers

Barnardos held its annual Volunteer Awards ceremony, sponsored by Softech Ltd, at the Radisson Hotel, Dublin. Here volunteers both young and old received recognition for their hard work and commitment. Receiving praise from Chief Executive of Barnardos, Fergus Finlay, and presenter of the Awards, Today FM DJ, Ray Darcy, were the runners up and winners of the Helping Hands Award.

The Volunteer Awards, sponsored by Ireland’s leading IT company, Softech, aim to promote the spirit of volunteering among young people under the age of 25, and give encouragement for them to get involved in volunteering activities in their area.

Softech is delighted to recognise the very special efforts of Barnardos volunteers through its longstanding support of the annual Volunteer Awards.

Today FM's Ray Darcy with Kevin Barron (winner), Jane Lawlor, Director, Softech, and Fergus Finlay, CEO Barnardos

Speaking of the value of these young volunteers, Fergus Finlay, said, “These awards demonstrate that young people today have not lost the ability to be involved in their communities. And by giving their time and energy so freely, they help make their communities a better place to live in.”

This year there were two winners of the Helping Hands Award and each winner received an award and a laptop kindly donated by Softech.

Kevin Barron, aged 14, from Oatland College in Stillorgan, Dublin, was one of the two winners. He showed true volunteer spirit in his efforts to support a huge fundraising activity; Midlife Cyclists Race Around Ireland which took place back in September. Kevin managed to raise an incredible €1,100 for the two chosen charities, Barnardos and the Simmon Community. His contribution was the largest amount raised by one person during the campaign. He collected this total by door to door collections and organising a non-uniform day in his school, through his selfless efforts, his fundraising will help make a big difference to many people’s lives.

The second award went to the students of CBS James Street School, who have provided Barnardos with much needed volunteer support for a number of years. The willing and dedicated students have assisted with countless fundraising projects.

Fergus concluded, “It’s a wonderful feeling knowing that you all have helped make a real difference to someone who is less fortunate, and it’s great to know that your dedication and hard work will help their lives not only now but in the future too.

For more information please contact:

Aidan Bailey, Softech 01-2156200

About Softech

Softech is a leading independent Computer Systems and Services company with an unrivalled reputation built over three decades in the areas of Infrastructure Solutions, Process Management Solutions and Managed Support Services. Our portfolio of products offers a single source of supply for the design, implementation, operation and support of the infrastructure and process requirements of Irish SME, Multinational companies and Government agencies.

 About Barnardos

Barnardos supports children whose well-being is under threat by working with them, their families and communities and by campaigning for the rights of children. Barnardos was established in Ireland in 1962 and is Ireland’s leading children’s charity.

Volunteers and Barnardos

Barnardos on the work of volunteers in our children’s services and projects, our various fundraising appeals and throughout our seven charity shops to support the Barnardos teams working in these areas. Our volunteers generally range in age from 18 to 80, and they put in endless hours of hard work to help support vulnerable children in Ireland. 

Barnardos currently has 257 registered volunteers across the country. In addition, throughout the year we will also have many volunteers who have contributed their time, expertise and skills on a one off basis to the organisation.