LAST CALL FOR YOUTH VOLUNTEERS TO ENTER 2015 PRAMERICA SPIRIT OF COMMUNITY AWARDS

Students from across Ireland who give their time to help in their local community have just a few days left to submit their applications for the 2015 Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards before the deadline of 24th October.

Since 2006, The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards, which recognises post-primary students for volunteer work, has honoured more than 150 of Ireland’s youth for outstanding acts of volunteerism.

The only all-Ireland youth initiative of its kind, The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards are run by Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited in partnership with The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI).

“The Awards enable us to share the wonderful volunteering work of post primary school students from across Ireland,” said Andrea McBride, Vice President, Pramerica Systems Ireland.  “Many young people take part in volunteering activities, and we would encourage all school principals to shine a light on their pupils’ inspirational stories and enter the awards to celebrate the strength of volunteerism in Ireland.”

The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards is open to all post primary students who volunteer in their community, at school or abroad.  To apply for a 2015 award, students must download the application at www.pramerica.ie/spirit, and then submit the completed form to their school principal by the 24th October, 2014. Principals have until 7th November to nominate students for the all-island awards. Every school can submit a maximum of two applications to go forward for judging.

Twenty finalists will earn prizes including €500, an invitation to the Gala Awards dinner, and recognition for their school. Two All-Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year will also be selected from the finalists, each of whom will receive €1,000 for their chosen charity and a trip to the United States.

The programme has been praised by educators, parents and elected officials for communicating to young people the importance of volunteer service in their communities.  Among the prominent personalities who have participated in the programme are Bertie Ahern, John Hume, Caitriona Ruane, Mickey Harte, Declan Kidney, John Lonergan, David Coleman and Martin O’Neill.

For further information, contact Shane Finnegan or Caroline Murphy at Aiken PR on 02890663000 or caroline@aikenpr.com

*Prudential Financial is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.