Clare woman Amy Cullen is one of 24 people who have been awarded for their volunteer efforts for the humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide.
Amy, who is from Ardnacrusha and teaches at Salesian Primary School in Limerick city, was awarded for her work as a volunteer adjudicator with the Concern Debates competition, which is the country’s largest school debating contest where students debate global issues.
The teacher, who also has a black belt in Taekwondo with the Limerick Taekwondo Club, received a medal at the Concern Volunteer Awards in Dublin and was highly praised by Concern for her efforts.
They said Amy has been a volunteer judge for several years in the contest and was also a past participant in the competition when she was a student at Ard Scoil Mhuire in Limerick.
“I was delighted to get the award. As a student it really brought on my confidence. I made a lot of friends and I love giving that opportunity to other people.”
Linda, who has been a volunteer with the Concern Debates for almost thirty years, said she was “privileged and honoured” to receive the award.
“We are grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who help us reach millions of people living in extreme poverty and hunger every year,” said Concern’s Community Fundraising Manager Joanne Arnold.
“Concern’s work continues despite many challenges. The families we support in places like Sudan and Gaza cannot be reached without the support we get from our volunteers.
“They include the adjudicators who help us run Concern Debates which has been hugely successful in getting students thinking and talking about the many issues the world faces.
Concern’s Volunteer Awards began in 2013 to celebrate the vital contribution made by the organisation’s volunteers in Ireland.
Many raise funds that enable Concern to continue to alleviate poverty and hunger, which last year alone saw 27.3 million people reached in 27 countries.
Concern was formed in 1968 in response to the Biafran famine in Nigeria.
More information about Concern’s work and how to support the organisation can be found at concern.net.