Irish rugby player Mack Hansen joined students at University of Galway at a special ceremony celebrating 20 years of student volunteering at the University.
Over 500 student volunteers were recognised at the event for their efforts with an ALIVE Certificate for Volunteering, joining more than 15,000 students who have given their time to strengthen communities.
The students were acknowledged by University of Galway President Professor Ciarán Ó hÓgartaigh for their volunteering commitments with national non-profit organisations such as Barretstown and campus student initiatives.
The ALIVE Student Volunteering Programme connects students with volunteering projects that not only make an impact for the individual student’s personal and professional development, but also create social change through community solidarity.
Mack Hansen said that as an ambassador for Barretstown, he sees first hand the impact of volunteering and just how much volunteers get from their experience too.
“I was delighted to join the team from Barretstown and University of Galway for this special event to recognise the fantastic students who have given up their time to volunteer for organisations across Ireland.”
Lorraine Tansey, ALIVE Student Volunteer Programme Coordinator, said that since the pandemic they have seen a resurgence of volunteering projects and a dramatic increase in volunteer recruitment campaigns from non-profits, community groups and NGOs.
“As a result, University of Galway students have taken up the call to action and been volunteering with charity shops, fundraisers, health organisations and environmental campaigns to mention a few.”
