Galway 2020 has announced a partnership with the medical devices manufacturer Medtronic, naming it the official Health Partner of the Capital of Culture.
As part of its partnership with Galway 2020, Medtronic will sponsor the ponsor of the Wave Maker volunteer programme and the Wave Maker Health Hub, the first of its kind for a European Capital of Culture.
Medtronic employs more than 4,000 people across five sites in Ireland, including a large campus and factory in Galway Technology Park in Parkmore.
Galway 2020 CEO Patricia Philbin said the partnership will provide invaluable support to Galway 2020.
“It’s fantastic to have a leading company such as Medtronic, which is such a major part of the fabric of Galway, on board supporting the ambitions of Galway 2020” she said.
“Our Wave Maker volunteers will be an integral part of the delivery and success of Galway 2020 and this support from Medtronic will further consolidate that ambition. We look forward to delivering an ambitious and genuine partnership that benefits Galway for years to come.”
The Wave Maker volunteer programme will give people the chance to get significantly involved in the Capital of Culture project throughout the year.
Volunteers will help connect communities across Galway city and county with each other as well as welcoming visitors from the wider world.
Patricia Philbin said that she expects Medtronic’s sponsorship of the programme will “encourage others to come forward to ensure a lasting legacy that will benefit Galway for many years to come”.
Tony Neary, Vice President of EMEA Operations and General Manager of Medtronic Parkmore said “Medtronic has had a presence in Galway since 1982 and over the years, our employees have made a huge contribution to community and charitable causes in the county.
“I am delighted that our partnership will enable Galway 2020 to deepen the culture of volunteerism across Galway,” He added.
“The Health Hub aligns to the Medtronic Mission to alleviate pain, restore health and extend life and I hope the programmes launched here will have a long-lasting positive impact on the health of people in our community.”
