Over 14,000 volunteers registered with local Volunteer Centres and the online national database of volunteering opportunities, IVOL, in 2017. These volunteers clocked up an incredible 480,000 hours of volunteering with an estimated economic value of over €10.5 million.
Some of the key statistics from 2017 include:
- 67% of volunteers were female
- 45% of those registered were between 23 and 35 years of age
- 61% of those registered were first time volunteers
- 37% of those registered were migrants and overseas visitors
- The top causes were Arts, Culture & Media; Children and Community Development
- The most popular roles were in administration and befriending
- The top motivations for volunteering continue to be altruistic with the majority of volunteers wanting to do their bit to make the world a better place
Speaking about volunteering in 2017, Volunteer Ireland CEO Nina Arwitz said ‘Ireland has always had a strong culture of volunteering and it is heartening to see that no matter how much things change, our passion for giving back remains as strong as ever. While people often volunteer to help others, they usually find that they get something out of volunteering as well. Volunteering has many benefits including health and well-being, developing skills and connecting with the community. For example, for the 37% of volunteers from overseas volunteering is a great way to meet new people, learn about their new community and in some cases improve their English.’
‘January is the time of year when people make resolutions and quite often these include volunteering. It’s important for people to think about why they want to volunteer, what skills they have and how much time they can give. Anyone who is considering volunteering can contact their local Volunteer Centre or visit www.volunteer.ie to get started.’
