FOUR PEOPLE are to be given an opportunity to forget about their day job for a year and be paid to work for a charity of their choice, as part of an initiative announced yesterday.
“World of Difference” offers a salary of €40,000 to successful applicants so they will not lose out financially while trying to make an impact for a worthy cause.
The project, now in its fifth year, has benefited organisations working in areas such as addiction, disability, HIV/Aids, mental health and integration.
The judging panel this year includes radio presenter Ray D'Arcy, television presenters Claire Byrne and Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Mary O'Kennedy of Fundraising Ireland, Paul Ryan of Vodafone Foundation and Irish Timesjournalist Róisín Ingle.
Ms Ní Shúilleabháin said it was important applicants came into the programme with a definite plan of action.
“We want somebody who has done the research and maybe even communicated with the charity to see where the openings are,” she said. “I think that as long as it’s something that you’re interested in . . . a charity that you have a link with and might really enjoy.”
One of last year’s winners, Patrick Haslett, who worked with Paralympics Ireland, said his experience with the charity had been more like a hobby than a job.
“The paralympic team had always been really good on the field,” he said, “but they were always reliant on State funding and the goal was to increase sustainable revenue and the brand of the sport and develop greater awareness among the Irish public.
“It’s been the best year of my life work wise. It’s been fantastic to be part of a group of committed and inspirational individuals achieving at the highest level.”
More information and a form are available at vodafone.ie/worldofdifference. The closing date for entries is September 10th.
