A Dublin pensioner was today named Barnardos national volunteer of the year for his work helping schoolchildren improve their reading.
Paddy O'Reilly from Tallaght, aged in his 70s, was presented with the award for his dedication to the Wizards of Words reading programme.
It involves pairing adult volunteers aged over 55 with first and second class pupils aged between seven and eight to give them extra support during school hours.
Mr O'Reilly, who has been involved with the project for over a year, is one of 220 Barnardos volunteers who have given 20,000 hours of their time this year to help children in need.
The charity's chief executive Fergus Finlay thanked the volunteers for their support and efforts.
"This year we are particularly thankful for the amazing number of hours people of all ages, from across Ireland have given to vulnerable children and families," he said. "They often are the oil that keeps crucial wheels turning, doing everything from getting kids to the centres by mini-bus to getting fundraising appeal packs out to donors and so much more."
Barnardos provided support to 5,337 children and their families in 2007 – up 10 per cent on 2006.
The awards were presented by sports commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, who described the commitment of the volunteers as truly outstanding. "Through my association with Gaelic sports I have seen first hand how the grass roots involvement of local volunteers and young people can lend such strength, hope and joy to communities in Ireland," he said.
Kathrina Bray (22), from Co Westmeath was awarded the Helping Hands Award for her work with Habitat for Humanity in Paraguay, which involves helping to build homes for poverty-stricken communities. She has taken part in the volunteering challenge every year since she was 18.
PA