September 2010 NUI Galway Celebrates Volunteering with Ninth Annual Fair

The ninth annual NUI Galway Volunteering Fair will take place on Wednesday, 29 September, in the Bailey Allen Hall, 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 Galway City Mayor Michael Crowe. Over 70 charities and community organisations will showcase the wide range of volunteering opportunities. The Fair is part of a week-long celebration of volunteering at NUI Galway, the culmination of which will coincide with the National Day of Volunteering on Friday, 1 October. Lorraine Tansey is the Student Volunteer Coordinator at NUI Galway: "Students are actively seeking volunteering prospects with homework clubs in local schools, fundraising for national charities, befriending people with a disability, or volunteering abroad. Students benefit enormously from getting involved and gain valuable experience, while bringing energy, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn". Exhibitors at the Volunteering Fair will include: Big Brother/Big Sister, Foróige, Galway Simon Community, Enable Ireland, Brothers of Charity, COPE Galway and Positive Mental Health. Lorraine Tansey added: "We are delighted to not only welcome community organisations to highlight their work and opportunities for volunteers but also to welcome members of the public onto campus". Through NUI Galway's volunteer programme, ALIVE, students can access an online database of volunteering 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, at a special ceremony 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-