Presenting the award on a visit to the centre in St Patrick’s Avenue, Downpatrick, the Minister said: “I am delighted to present the Investing in Volunteers award to my local volunteer centre here in Downpatrick. This award shows just how much Down District Volunteer Centre values its volunteers. Volunteering is about much more than just helping out. It changes lives. It enables people to fulfil their potential.
“I am proud that my local volunteer centre is one of only two volunteer centres in Northern Ireland to have the prestigious Investing in Volunteers award. I want to thank the management committee, staff and volunteers for all their hard work they have done to reach the highest of standards in volunteer management.”
An initiative of the UK Volunteering Forum, the Investing in Volunteers Award is managed in Northern Ireland by the Volunteer Development Agency (VDA). Sandra Adair, Assistant Director with the VDA said: “Achieving Investing in Volunteers demonstrates a real commitment to volunteering, it shows how much organisation values the contribution of volunteers by proving that its volunteer management policies and procedures meet nationally recognised standards.”
Fergus Cooper, Manager of Down District Volunteer Centre added: “We were delighted to have the Minister come along today to present us with our Investing in Volunteers Award. The award recognises the quality of our work and our commitment to making the volunteer experience readily accessible to everyone across the district who wishes to give freely of their time for the benefit of others. We are one of only two volunteer centres in Northern Ireland to achieve the award. I am proud of the dedication and hard work the staff and management committee put in to achieve the IIV standard and for the support we received from the Volunteer Development Agency.”
Notes to Editors:
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