Vision Ireland celebrates volunteers at the first-ever Vision Star Awards

On Thursday 17 October, Vision Ireland hosted its first-ever Vision Star Awards, a landmark event that celebrated the outstanding contributions of its volunteers. The celebration recognised the pivotal role volunteers play in supporting Vision Ireland’s mission to empower individuals with visual impairments and sight loss. The Vision Star Awards marked the first nationwide charity awards ceremony of this size and scale for the organisation.

This special event drew notable guests, including Olympian Peter Ryan, Joe Neville, Mayor of Kildare, Julia Edwards of the Charity Retail Association and Jean McCabe, CEO of Retail Excellence, each presenting awards and commending volunteers for their dedication and commitment to Vision Ireland’s cause. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and admiration as volunteers from across Ireland were recognised for their invaluable contributions to the charity’s success.

Craig Holman, National Volunteer Experience Manager and host of the event, expressed his admiration, saying, “It is an absolute honour to celebrate and recognise the incredible work of our volunteers, not only in our stores but within their communities as well. Their dedication and kindness are what keep Vision Ireland moving forward, and today has been a truly inspiring day filled with energy and appreciation for every single one of them.”

Aaron Mullaniff, Chief Services Officer, highlighted the critical role volunteers play in the charity’s mission: “Our volunteers are the core reason that Vision Ireland can reach the 296,000 people living with visual impairment or blindness across Ireland. It is through their commitment, passion, and dedication that we can offer our essential services. This event is crucial to remind our volunteer heroes that everyone in services recognises and deeply appreciates everything they do.”

The sentiment was echoed by Beverley Scallan, Chief Commercial Officer, who added, “Without our volunteers, there would be no Vision Ireland Retail – it’s that simple. Their contributions are not only vital to the success of our retail operations but also to our overall mission and purpose. Today has been nothing short of amazing, as we reflect on the incredible work they do each and every day.”

The Awards

The Vision Star Awards recognised volunteers across five key categories, each celebrating a different aspect of their contributions:

1. The Happy Whispered Award, honouring volunteers who spread joy and foster community connections.
2. The Cup of Kindness Award, celebrating those who create a warm and welcoming environment.
3. The Reliability Rockstar Award, recognising volunteers who provide unwavering support to their teams.
4. The Smooth Operator Award, celebrating excellence in the smooth running of store operations.
5. The Merchandising Maestro Award, recognising creativity and visual flair in store displays.

The role of Vision Ireland Retail

As the second-largest charity retailer in Ireland, Vision Ireland Retail operates 130 stores throughout the country, championing sustainability by accepting donations and selling preloved clothing, homewares, furniture, and books. The proceeds from these stores fund Vision Ireland’s essential frontline services, ensuring the charity can continue to support individuals with visual impairments and blindness.

Vision Ireland Retail’s volunteers are the driving force behind the success of these stores. Their commitment to presenting and selling high-quality preloved items directly impacts the charity’s ability to deliver services. As Beverley Scallan noted, “Without our volunteers, the work we do in retail would not be possible. Their creativity, dedication, and passion for sustainability help guarantee that Vision Ireland can continue to support our service users.”

In addition to its physical stores, Vision Ireland Retail has expanded its reach through online platforms.

These platforms allow customers to shop sustainably and ethically, with Vision Ireland pioneering the sale of preloved fashion. From high-end designer clothing on Thriftify to vintage pieces on eBay and Depop, the organisation offers an incredible range of items both online and in-store.

The success of these platforms, along with a series of popular pop-up and showcase events throughout the year, is a testament to the hard work of Vision Ireland’s volunteers.

Volunteers are the backbone of these operations, ensuring that the preloved stock is meticulously prepared, displayed, and sold to the highest standards. The Vision Star Awards was a perfect opportunity to celebrate these unsung heroes who play a vital role in the charity’s retail success.

Looking ahead

The Vision Star Awards is set to become an annual tradition, continuing to shine a light on the volunteers who give their time, energy, and hearts to Vision Ireland.

For those interested in volunteering and making a difference, Vision Ireland offers many opportunities to get involved. Learn more here or call into your nearest Vision Ireland store for a cup of tea and a chat.

24/10/2024 10:50