Celebrating Millennium Volunteers at the iconic Titanic Belfast

More than 400  young people from the across Northern Ireland have received their MV Awards of Excellence from  Mervyn Storey MLA, Chair of the Northern Ireland Education Committee, at a celebration organised by Volunteer Now and  held at the iconic Titanic Belfast.  The Awards recognise the sustained volunteering commitment given by young people through the Millennium Volunteers Programme.  Each young person had given at least 200 hours of their own time, skills and enthusiasm to help individuals or organisations in their community and collectively have undertaken over 85,000 hours of volunteering.

Speaking at the event Councillor Storey said,

“I welcome the opportunity to celebrate the achievements of this year’s volunteers and hear their experiences and achievements.  Giving up to 200 hours to be a Millennium Volunteer is a significant commitment and I was impressed that 400 young people from across Northern Ireland gave up their time to help others.  This is a testament to the positive aspects of youth and their strong sense of civic duty. These young people have had the opportunity to develop skills and competences, many of which are key to accessing further education or employment.  By showing initiative through volunteering they have given themselves a real competitive advantage for the future, made a long term positive difference to their lives and participated in activities that will help them fulfil their potential.”

Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive, Volunteer Now said, “Millennium Volunteers celebrates the achievements gained through volunteering.  For many young people this takes the form of personal and skills development which enhance opportunities for further education, career development and personal satisfaction.  For many employers and education providers it is the young person’s ability to prove sustained commitment, dedication and a willingness to give of their own time and energy without financial gain which is the attraction.  We hear story after story of young people who have gained the dream job or university place as a result of their volunteering experience.” 

To find out more about Millennium Volunteers and the wide range of volunteering opportunities available in your area go to www.volunteernow.co.uk