Three different groups that contribute to the lifeblood of Galway are in the running as finalists for the National Lottery Good Causes Awards.
The National Lottery has shortlisted 36 organisations around the country for the 2021 awards across six categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community and Youth.
A seventh category, Irish Language, will have a special award to be announced at the Awards final, in recognition of outstanding work done in the promotion of the Irish Language.
East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support has been nominated for the Health & Wellbeing award, Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is shortlisted in the Arts & Culture category, and The Irish Pilgrimage Trust is up for the Youth Awards.
CEO of the National Lottery, Andrew Algeo said “The Good Causes Awards allow us to shine a light on the outstanding work being done in our communities by extraordinary groups.”
“Our aim is to recognize the exceptional contributions of our finalists and show the people of Ireland exactly what their participation and support in the National Lottery is achieving within their communities.”
“We are all aware of how difficult the past year has been and how important sports clubs, organisations and groups are to our wellbeing.”
“This truly is our chance to show our appreciation for keeping our communities going during such uncertain times.”
The National Lottery donates nearly 30 cents of every €1 spent on the lotto back to good causes, totalling more than €5.8 Billion since the Lottery was established 33 years ago.
In 2020 alone, €254 million was raised for local Good Causes in communities across Ireland.
East Galway & Midlands Cancer Support is a Ballinasloe based charity which provides a network of psychological, emotional and practical support for those diagnosed with cancer.
Baboró International Arts Festival for Children is a world renowned part of the incredible stable of arts festivals here in Galway, with a huge range of events and performances devoted specifically to children and families taking place each October.
The Clarinbridge based Irish Pilgrimage Trust takes children with special needs on pilgrimages to Lourdes, as well as organising week long trips to their Kilcuan and Cois Cuain holiday homes.
After each group had the chance to make a presentation to a panel of judge last week, the winners of the 2021 Good Causes awards will be announced on May 29.
Each national category winner will receive €10,000 while the overall Good Cause of the Year will get an additional €25,000 on top of this.
