Rathfern archers hit the target

Jessica North, Sophie Rood and Rhiannon and Emily Frizell were among more than 500 young people from across Northern Ireland who received their MV Awards of Excellence recently.

The awards recognise the sustained volunteering commitment given by young people through the Millennium Volunteers Programme. Each award recipient gave at least 200 hours of their own time, skills and enthusiasm to help individuals or organisations in their community.

At a special celebration event held in Belfast and organised by Volunteer Now, the local volunteers from Rathfern Company of Archers received their awards from Vice Chair of the Stormont Education Committee, Mike Nesbitt MLA.

“It is deeply impressive to hear how many hours have been volunteered by so many young people delivering huge value to society. But there is also self-development and self-worth to be found in volunteering and that is priceless,” the UUP leader said.

Wendy Osborne OBE, Chief Executive of Volunteer Now added: “Millennium Volunteers celebrates the achievements gained through volunteering. For many young people this takes the form of personal and skills development which enhance opportunities for further education, career development and personal satisfaction. For many employers and education providers it is the young person’s ability to prove sustained commitment, dedication and a willingness to give of their own time and energy without financial gain which is the attraction. We hear story after story of young people who have gained the dream job or university place as a result of their volunteering experience.”

To find out more about the wide range of volunteering opportunities available in the Newtownabbey area log on to www.volunteernow.co.uk