Excitement builds for Waterford PPN Awards

Excitement is building across the city and county as a host of Waterford’s top Community and Voluntary groups go head to head at the 19^th annual Waterford PPN Community and Voluntary Awards on Thursday, November 23^rd in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan.

The Waterford PPN Community and Voluntary Awards were introduced to recognise and celebrate the community organisations and volunteers that work tirelessly in our communities; for their outstanding contributions making their communities a great place to live, work, play and visit.

WLR are delighted to have joined forces again with Waterford PPN and Waterford Volunteer Centre for the Gala Dinner & Awards Ceremony which will see 6 group category awards include Children and Youth, Environment & Conservation, Health & Wellbeing, Social Enterprise, Social Inclusion & Community Support, and Spik & Span- Best Kept Residential Area.

This year also features 3 Individual Volunteer Awards and an OVERALL Award Winner, chosen from the winners of the 6 category awards and the group that will represent Waterford at the 2024 Pride of Place Awards.

Here are the shortlisted for the 6 Groups Category Awards:

Children & Youth

Sponsored by Expressway - This award recognises groups/organisations which have a positive impact on the lives of children.

An Sean Phobal Ladies Football Club
St. Pauls Boxing Club
St. Pauls Scout Group

Environment & Conservation

Sponsored by South East Energy Agency - This award recognises groups/organisations working to improve and revitalise the environment. Who have a positive impact on the community and raise the profile of environmental issues.

Ballymacarbry Tidy Towns
Top of the City Gardens
Tramore Eco Group

Health & Wellbeing

Sponsored by BHP Insurance - This award recognises groups/organisations that support and encourage a healthy community by promoting positive environments and initiatives that support and encourage physical activity, healthy lifestyles, and a sense of community connection.

Carbally Community Development Project
Clashmore & Kinsalebeg Community Council
Solas Cancer Support Centre

Social Enterprise

Sponsored by Cairde Credit Union & Waterford Credit Union - This award recognises organisations governed by volunteers that trade in goods and services to achieve social, socio-economic or environmental objectives, where any surpluses are re-invested to achieve those objectives.

Access IT
Dunhill Community Hall
Renew Enterprises

Social Inclusion & Community Support

Sponsored by Local Link Waterford - This award recognises groups/organisations that actively work in a supportive role in their communities, whose aim is to minimise social exclusion, who work to improve and enhance the health and social well-being of their community and improve quality of life.

Irish Red Cross Waterford City Branch
KGK Community Development
Lismore for All

Spik & Span- Best Kept Residential Area

Sponsored by Waterford City & County Council - This award recognises housing estates, streets, residential areas, apartment complex etc., by working together to improve community facilities enhancing the appearance of the area, creating a sense of pride and inclusivity in their area and making it an attractive place to live.

Belvedere Manor Residents Association
Larchville, Lisduggan Residents Association
Tournore Court Residents Association

Here are the shortlisted for the 3 Individual Volunteer Awards:

Age Friendly Volunteer of the Year:

This award is dedicated to those volunteers over the age of 55 who continue to bring knowledge, wisdom, and skills to clubs, organisations, groups, and the community. Our communities benefit greatly from their experience, and we would like to see them recognised for their contributions.

Eileen O’ Toole – Waterford Marine Search & Rescue
Gus Fitzgerald – Francis Court Aged Action Group
Oliver Coffey – Local Link Waterford

Board/Committee Member of the Year

This award spotlights those volunteers who work behind the scenes. Without the tireless contribution of board/committee members, many organisations would cease to exist. Their workload increases year on year as governance and charity reporting requirements continue to grow.

Maria Condon – Irish Red Cross Waterford City Branch
Sandra Crowley – Waterford Disability Network
Vivienne Burns – Helping Hand Waterford

Junior Volunteer of the Year

This award recognises the outstanding contribution that an individual under the age of 18 has made to their local community. Now is your chance to nominate those young people who encourage, support, lead, and inspire others in your community.

Kate Mackintosh – Tallow Camogie Club
Rhys Grant – Ballybeg Community Project
Sean Murphy – Roanmore GAA Club

OVERALL Winner - The Pride of Place Award

The winner of this award is chosen from tonight’s 6 category award winners and will represent Waterford next year in the Pride of Place Awards.

The Pride of Place award celebrates exceptional community development efforts that take place across the island of Ireland, honouring the remarkable contributions of individuals and groups dedicated to improving their local neighbourhoods, creating better places to live, work, and socialise.