Annual Report 2024: How Volunteering Shapes Clare’s Future
Volunteering has always been at the heart of community life in County Clare — and 2024 was no exception. The Clare Volunteer Centre Annual Report 2024 highlights a year of growth, resilience and inclusivity, showing how the power of people coming together continues to transform our county.
A Year of Growth and Connection
Over the past twelve months, the Clare Volunteer Centre supported 2,739 volunteers and worked with 352 community organisations across Clare. Together, they contributed almost 11,000 volunteer hours to local projects — from health and wellbeing initiatives to environmental action and cultural events.
What makes this achievement remarkable is that 57% of volunteers were brand new to volunteering. Many were people newly arrived in Clare, using volunteering as a way to integrate, improve their English and build meaningful connections. With 40 nationalities represented, Clare is becoming a stronger, more inclusive county where volunteering bridges cultures and communities.
As Chairperson Michael Foley reflected:
“2024 saw further strengthening of our operational structures and innovative campaigns, with a particular focus on connecting communities.”
Celebrating Impact
Recognition was at the core of 2024. From National Volunteer Week to International Volunteer Day, volunteers were celebrated not just for what they give, but for the sense of belonging they create. Events like the Connecting Communities Initiative and a county-wide school art competition inspired both young people and older generations to think about community in new ways.
One of the proudest moments of the year came when Shanelle Waring-Woods of Ennis Hockey Club was shortlisted for the Volunteer Ireland Awards in the Sports & Recreation category. Her inclusive programmes for people with disabilities stand as a shining example of what volunteering can achieve.
Building Stronger Communities
The impact of CVC goes beyond numbers. Each year, organisations across Clare rely on volunteer support to deliver essential services. In 2024, the Centre provided training workshops, community clinics, and one-to-one guidance to ensure volunteer programmes are well managed and accessible.
Manager Sharon Meaney captured it best:
“Volunteering is more than service; it is the essence of community. It builds the trust and capacity that keep communities strong.”
Looking Ahead
Behind every figure and every initiative lies a simple truth: volunteers are the heart of Clare. As the Centre prepares to launch its Strategic Plan 2025–2028, the focus remains clear — to strengthen inclusion, expand opportunities and ensure that volunteering continues to be a cornerstone of life in County Clare.
The full Annual Review 2024 is available to download here: Annual Review 2024
