A voluntary based charity which provides a search, rescue and recovery service along with suicide prevention patrols and flood and swift water rescues to the people of Waterford City and surrounding areas has won big at the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.
Waterford Marine Search and Rescue scooped a whopping €10,000 as they were announced overall winner of the community category at the awards, which took place in Killashee House Hotel in Naas, Co. Kildare on Saturday October 21st.
The National Lottery Good Causes Awards honour the inspiring work and achievements of thousands of projects, clubs and individuals from all over Ireland who, with the help of National Lottery Good Causes funding, have had an extraordinary impact on their local communities.
Operating 365 days a year 24/7, Waterford Marine Search and Rescue covers a huge search area on land, rivers, lakes, and tributaries in the hope of saving lives and sadly where necessary body recovery to bring a loved one back to their family.
Waterford Marine Search and Rescue received a HSE National Lottery Grant in 2022 as part of their Suicide Prevention Patrols. This enabled them to purchase necessary equipment and continue to provide this much needed service to the people of Waterford to prevent loss of life.
Also winning big on the night from Waterford Marine Search and Rescue was Jamie Blanche who secured the Hero of the Year award.
This special award recognises the outstanding work done by an individual within an organisation. Jamie is the longest-standing volunteer within the Waterford Marine Search and Rescue, which is now in its 13th year of operation. He has been described as “compassionate”, “humble”, “witty”, “dedicated”, “visionary” and “heroic”.
The Awards are made up of seven categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community, Youth and Irish Language.
The seven category winners each received €10,000; the Hero of the Year received €5,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year, Meath Women’s Refuge Support Services received an additional €25,000.
Andrew Algeo, Chief Executive of the National Lottery said: “On behalf of the National Lottery, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to Meath Women's Refuge and Support Services, as well as our other remarkable category winners. Your dedication to making a positive impact on society is truly inspiring. It’s been an honour to share the stage with such a variety of groups who benefit from Good Causes funding.”
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