Kevin Dormer, a volunteer with Clare Youth Service, has been awarded Youth Work Ireland’s prestigious Leading the Way accolade.
From the Gort Road in Ennis, Kevin has been part of Clare Youth Service since he was 13 and now Kevin volunteers on several projects including The Hub, (late-night café), The Junction, Younger Voices and Tech Space where he passes on his specialist knowledge of filmmaking. He is also an active fundraiser for the service.
Kevin became a volunteer after his own experiences in youth projects, “As a summer camp leader, I learned many different things and the time I spent with Clare Youth Service as a teenager helped me through some tough times and as a result, I decided to become a volunteer.”
The student of Film and TV at Galway Community College has previously received a Garda Youth Award in 2016 for his contribution in the community.
“My volunteer work with Clare Youth Service is something that is very dear to me. It is not only something I benefit from, but hopefully something that benefits the young people. “
CEO of Clare Youth Service, Margaret Slattery, commended Kevin on his award, “As well as being a full-time student and working a part-time job, Kevin dedicates what is left of his time to the Clare Youth Service.
He has gone far above and beyond the call of duty in his role as a volunteer. His passion for the projects and young people of the Clare Youth Service is incomparable. He is an outstanding role model to the young people he is in contact with”.
CYS Chairperson, Jim McMahon also welcomed the award, “I am delighted to offer my congratulations to Kevin. He continues a great tradition of Clare Youth Service volunteers in receiving national awards. For almost half a century, CYS has backed community volunteers and been a national leader in providing supports and training for people to assist the young people in their communities. Kevin’s achievement once again shows the value of these supports and the esteem in which they are held at national level.”