The team at Solas Headford recently received a letter from An Taoiseach Micheál Martin T.D. expressing his thanks and appreciation for the work done by Solas Headford during the pandemic. Dated June 2022, the letter is reproduced below.
Oifig an Taoisigh
Office of the Taoiseach
Dear Solas Family Resource Centre,
I would like to thank you on behalf of myself, the Government and all the people of Ireland for your ongoing invaluable contribution to our society. You fill an extraordinary role. Thank you.
This was none more evident than in supporting out national response to Covid-19. During the pandemic, the contribution of volunteers, such as you, was magnificent. From working in vaccination and test centres to providing direct assistance, such as collecting shopping for neighbours in isolation to checking in on the most vulnerable amongst us and so many roles in between, you have demonstrated that when times are the hardest, the best of us show up, ready to help.
I also recognise the contributions of Volunteer Ireland, who enabled so many volunteers to get involved and communities to come together, particularly through the Community Call initiative which resulted in an unprecedented mobilisation of state and voluntary resources during the pandemic.
My thanks too to the schools and children who participated in the design of this commemorative badge. It is a lovely, symbolic gift that acknowledges the many contributions you have made.
National Volunteers week is a perfect time to celebrate and acknowledge your achievements as a volunteer throughout the pandemic.
It is not said often enough. It is generally understood, maybe assumed, that volunteers don’t do what they do for the thanks or the recognition. But it is worth saying - Thank you.
Volunteers are not paid - not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless.
Míle buíochas
Micheál Martin T.D.
Taoiseach
