Council Chair hosts a reception to recognise Volunteers in the Omagh area of the District

Recently the Council Chair, Councillor John McClaughry, hosted a reception in The grange, Omagh to recognise volunteers from the Omagh area of the District.  This event was included as part of the Council’s 10th anniversary.

The following is the spe3ech made by the Chair at the event:

Good afternoon Councillors, Ladies and Gentlemen

As Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, I am delighted to welcome you all here to The Grange, Omagh for this reception in honour of volunteers in the Omagh area of the District.

During my terms in office, I have travelled right across the District visiting a wide variety of organisations and groups and I have been highly impressed at the quality and level of good work that is bring done.  Much of this work is being done volunteers which makes it even more commendable and it is for this reason that I wanted to host these events today.

Volunteering is unique because it unites everyone with a common goal – making a difference.  It is a powerful force which has the ability to make change.

Volunteers play a crucial role in our communities because you provide much needed services which otherwise may not have been provided and the positive change would not have achieved.

Each of you volunteer in different ways, however, you all have special characteristics – you are passionate about what you do, reliable, positive, willing, compassionate, committed and resilient.

I read a quote by a famous Welsh lady, Elizabeth Andrew, who captured another special characteristic of volunteers when she said, “Volunteers don’t necessarily have the time but they just have the heart”.  Each of you have your own work and personal commitments, however, you still take the time to show your generosity and give of your time to make a difference to the lives of others.

Today I want to commend and thank each and every one of you for all you volunteering work.  You are truly inspirational and shining role models for future generations.

I would also like to thank Omagh Volunteer Centre for the support you provide to our volunteers through training and important information and advice.  Anything to help volunteers continue to do their exceptional work is important.

On behalf of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, and on my own behalf, I want to once again thank you for all your volunteering and helping to make our District a better place by improving the lives of so many.  I would encourage you to continue volunteering because you do make a difference and it is very much appreciated.

Thank you.