REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A RECEPTION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS OF SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL
REMARKS BY PRESIDENT McALEESE AT A RECEPTION FOR ALL VOLUNTEERS OF SLIGO SOCIAL SERVICE COUNCIL MONDAY, 17th SEPTEMBER 2001
Tá lúcháir mhór orm bheith anseo libh inniú, agus ba mhaith liom mo bhuíochas a chur in iúl daoibh as an chuireadh, agus as fáilte a bhí caoin, cneasta, agus croiúil.
Today represents a very special day in the calendar of Sligo Social Service Council. Today we celebrate the great tradition of volunteerism and that unique brand of volunteerism that we have in this country not least of all here in Sligo. It was because of this celebration of the selfless dedication, commitment, determination and sheer hard work in the service of others by this group of wonderful people that I was so pleased to accept the invitation to join in this celebration. In this fast moving, fast changing world that we roller-coast on, where many old world values and traditions have been discarded or forgotten, it is heartening to see that there are still certain traditions and values that remain as strong as ever. It is reassuring to see that in every community small or large there are people who quietly give of themselves so willingly to help others, proving themselves to be true neighbours neither asking for thanks nor recognition in return. But it is right that we do recognise, encourage and affirm our volunteers and their contribution to our civil well-being has been recognised on the international stage this year, designated by the United Nations as the International Year of Volunteers.
Here in Ireland, the National Committee of Volunteering was launched last December- its job to plan the future of volunteering not just in this special year but using the focus of this special year to plan well into the future. Why? Because if we want to live in a healthy, resilient community, a healthy resilient country then it matters that we have a vibrant, confident and effective voluntary sector. As much as any State strives to meet the needs of its people, there are always gaps and spaces, which only the spontaneous helping hand of a neighbour or a caring stranger can fill. There is a special kind of work that calls for the volunteer, that has a powerful added value precisely because it is voluntary, that reveals human goodness, witnesses to the power of human decency and binds us together as family, as neighbourhood, as community and as nation. The work takes thousands of shapes, it is the very lifeblood of our society and it should never be taken for granted. Where the spirit of volunteerism is strong as it is here in Sligo there is much to be grateful for.
The range of services provided here is really impressive; from a meals on wheels service involving a staggering 110 volunteers to a Night Shelter, 2 charity shops, Maryville - providing long-term accommodation for men, and the Friends of Sligo Social Services who help raise funds for the organisation. Together with a counselling service, you provide home management advice, a pre-school service and family support services. Each service is needed. If it did not exist there would be an impoverishment of both the individual and the society. For those who need it, having such a resource available locally can make the difference between living and existing.
The record of achievements of Sligo Social Service Council since it started in 1969 speaks for itself and is a credit to everyone associated with it through the years. You have gone from strength to strength through the years. Your fidelity to this work, work which no law except the law of neighbourly love commands, is truly admirable. I commend warmly and thank you for what you have done in the service of others. I know the work is not done for thanks and maybe as in those Gospel stories you have been thanked only by ten per cent of those who should have done so but today I say thank you on behalf of all of us for in helping one you help us all. I hope you will continue your great work for the people of Sligo for many years to come. My thanks to you all for your welcome to me today. My thanks also to Barry McMahon, Chairperson and the Directors of Sligo Social Services Board for the kind invitation to join in today’s celebration.
Mo bhuíochas libh arís. Guím gach rath agus séan ar bhur gcuid oibre san am atá le teacht.