Castlebar Chamber and Vodafone have called for the people of Castlebar to recognise those who make life in Castlebar better by nominating them for a Passion for the World Around Us Award.  Whether they are carers, environmentalists, volunteers or just good citizens who contribute in some other way to the community, they are all eligible for the award. 

Castlebar Chamber and Vodafone recently joined forces to announce the plan for the Passion for the World Around Us Awards for 2006 which will see two individuals and one business honoured for their work with the community in Castlebar.  The nominations will be considered by a local selection panel.

Recipients of the Passion for the World Around Us Award will receive a certificate and a specially commissioned, handmade award designed by Irish artist Michele Hannan.  The award will be presented in early summer. 

Nomination forms are available from Castlebar Chamber 094 9024845, local Vodafone stores or via www.vodafone.ie , once completed the forms should be returned to the Chamber. 

Entries can also be sent via email, to passionawards.ie@vodafone.com, simply send the name of the person or business being nominated, and why they deserve the award.  The deadline for entries is Sunday 30th April 2006 and the award will be announced a short time later.  Last year the winners included Finbarr Staunton with Snugboro Community Group, local cancer support worker Christine Collins and Joe Butler. 

According to Elaine Hurley, Regional and Community Relations Executive with Vodafone Ireland this award offers the chance for unsung heroes to receive the praise they are due.  She said, “There are so many people throughout the country who work tirelessly for the good of the community.  Whether that is through local voluntary organisations, sporting groups or by developing community resources – their effort deserves to be rewarded.”

“The Passion for the World Around Us Awards offer these people the chance to be recognised for their good work.  However, they can only receive this award and the recognition they deserve if someone else nominates them.  So we are urging all the people of Castlebar to think about who makes their lives better and to put these people forward for an award,” she added. 

Her sentiments were echoed by John Shaughnessy of Castlebar Chamber who said, “The Passion for the World Around Us Awards offer an excellent opportunity for the people of Castlebar to showcase the commitment and dedication to the local area offered by so many of the people who live here.  Castlebar Chamber is proud to be involved with these awards which provide a unique opportunity to honour our local heroes for the hard work they have put in to making Castlebar a better place.”