The eighth annual NUI Galway Volunteering Fair will take place on Thursday, 24 September in Áras na Mac Léinn, from 1-5pm. With over 2,000 students, staff and members of the general public expected to attend, the Fair will be officially opened by Galway City Mayor Declan McDonnell. Over 60 charities and community organisations will showcase the wide range of volunteer opportunities available for students. This year NUI Galway's volunteer programme ALIVE is delighted to collaborate with the Galway Volunteer Centre in hosting the event. The Fair is part of a week-long celebration of volunteering at NUI Galway, the culmination of which will coincide with the national volunteering Give it a Swirl day on Friday, 25 September. Lorraine Tansey is Volunteer Coordinator of the ALIVE Programme at NUI Galway: "Students benefit enormously from getting involved with Galway city and county organisations. Whether it is working with youth, disability or social justice organisations, our students gain skills and experience while lending a hand. NUI Galway really values our community partners as they host and support our student volunteers. The Fair is great opportunity for students to see the range of activities within the Galway community they can avail of, while also providing a space for organisations to recruit much needed volunteers". Exhibitors at the Volunteer Fair will include: Rehab Care, Habitat for Humanity, Down Syndrome Ireland; Childline, Galway Refugee Support Group, Simon Community, Enable Ireland and Positive Mental Health. Lorraine Tansey added: "We are delighted to not only welcome community organisations to showcase their opportunities for volunteers but also to welcome members of the public onto campus". Established in 2003, the ALIVE programme at NUI Galway, was the first ever student volunteer programme to be embedded within an institution of higher education in Ireland. Through the ALIVE Programme, students can access an online database of volunteer opportunities. The programme also includes a series of workshops to help students make the most of their volunteering experience. At the end of the academic year students can apply for an ALIVE Certificate which is awarded by NUI Galway President, Dr James J. Browne, in recognition of their commitment to volunteering. To book a stand or for further information, please contact the ALIVE office on 091 493823 or email alive@nuigalway.ie. -Ends-