Author and DJ Nikki Hayes helped kick off the search for Ireland’s top young volunteers as the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards opens applications for the 2018 programme.

The only youth initiative of its kind, the 2018 programme launched with a panel–style event at Pramerica’s new office in Letterkenny. The focus of the event was the role volunteerism plays in some of today’s biggest societal challenges, including homelessness and mental health. Panellists included past and present honourees as well as representatives from each of the key charity areas.

“As someone who has experienced mental health issues throughout my life, I am well aware of the devastating effect it can have on the people around you,” said Hayes during the event. “What is special about this awards programme is that it recognises the young volunteers helping their peers in their own community to overcome their problems and face the future together.”

The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards is run in partnership with Pramerica, the National Association of Principals & Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI). Applications are open for online submissions until 20th October 2017. Principals then have until 10th November to nominate up to two students from their school for national–level recognition, from which 20 finalists will be selected.  Two overall winners will then be announced at a gala awards ceremony in March 2018; these All–Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year will be awarded €1,000 each for their chosen charity and a trip to Washington, D.C. for the annual international Prudential Spirit of Community Awards celebration.

The 20 finalists will all be awarded €500 for their charities at the ceremony. This year for the first time, the top two Junior Honourees will receive an additional €500 for their chosen charity.

“At Pramerica, we believe in supporting young people in our society, and over the past 12 years we have honoured over 2,000 volunteers from 300 schools across the island of Ireland,” said Ciaran Harvey, Senior Managing Director & CIO at Pramerica. “As we open the 2018 awards, we would encourage all school principals to shine a light on their pupils’ volunteering activities, and we are very much looking forward to hearing the inspirational stories from today’s young leaders who are committed to making a difference in their local communities,”

The programme is also supported by notable organisations including Volunteer Now, Volunteer Ireland, Foróige and Scouting Ireland.

Applications are now open at www.pramerica.ie/spirit. For updates on this year’s awards, like the Pramerica Spirit of Community Facebook page, join the conversation on Twitter, or follow us on Instagram.

ENDs

For further information, contact Caroline Murphy or Aoife Kelly at Aiken PR on 02890663000 or caroline@aikenpr.com or Harold Banks at Pramerica 973–216–4833 (U.S.) or harold.banks@prudential.com 

Notes to Editor

*Key Dates to Remember*

• Registration for the 2018 programme opens: 1st September 2017

• Closing date for students: 20th October 2017

• Closing date for principals/deputy principals: 10th November 2017

• Each school principal/deputy principal at this stage will have selected a maximum of two applications to go forward for national judging.

• Announcement of Top 20 finalists: February 2018

• Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards Gala Dinner: March 2018

• Two All–Ireland Youth Volunteers of the Year to travel to Washington, D.C.: late April 2018 

About the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards

The Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards programme is modelled on The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, which was created in 1995 in the United States by Pramerica’s parent, Prudential Financial, Inc. (PFI)*. Since then, nearly 375,000 young Americans have participated in the programme and more than 115,000 have won awards. The programme has been widely praised by educators, government officials, parents and community leaders.

PFI has introduced the programme in other countries where it has a significant business presence: Japan in 1997, South Korea in 1999, Taiwan in 2000, Ireland in 2006, India in 2010, China in 2013, Brazil in 2015 and Poland in 2017.

In Ireland a number of leading public figures have supported and participated in the programme including Bertie Ahern, John Hume, Caitriona Ruane, Mickey Harte, Declan Kidney, John Lonergan, David Coleman, Martin O’Neill, Niall Breslin (Bressie) and Jordi Murphy.

About Pramerica

Pramerica Systems Ireland Limited, located in Letterkenny, Co. Donegal, began operations in 2000 and has more than 1,500 employees. It provides essential computer–technology and client–contact services to PFI businesses around the world. Its Information Technology group develops software and other systems solutions for PFI business groups and its Operations group functions as a back–office contact centre and delivers a suite of professional service for PFI business groups.

Partners

The National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) represent principals and deputy principals in the Republic of Ireland at post–primary level. The association aims to provide a united voice for principals and deputy principals.

The General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI) is an independent, self–regulatory body established to represent the professional interests of teachers in Northern Ireland.

Prudential Financial is not affiliated in any manner with Prudential plc, a company incorporated in the United Kingdom.