National Volunteering Week 2026, taking place Monday 18th to Sunday 24th of May celebrates the theme “From Every Corner, For Every Cause” – recognising the diversity of volunteers and the many ways people give their time to strengthen communities across Kerry, Ireland and beyond.
Across Kerry, and throughout Ireland, volunteers are making a meaningful difference every single day. In every parish, town, and city, people are supporting older members of the community to live independently, mentoring young people to reach their full potential, protecting our environment, sustaining arts and culture, and responding in times of crisis. Every hour given helps build stronger services, deeper connections, and more resilient communities.
This year, we also look beyond our shores. As we mark International Volunteer Year (IVY 26), we recognise that volunteering in Ireland is part of a much wider global movement. Around the world, volunteers are tackling poverty and inequality, responding to humanitarian emergencies, advancing healthcare and education, and championing climate action.
Volunteers from Ireland are not only strengthening their own communities – they are helping to change lives across the globe.
“From Every Corner, For Every Cause” celebrates the extraordinary collective power of volunteering, both locally and internationally. It honours the individuals whose time, compassion, and commitment create lasting impact every day. No act of volunteering is too small – every action inspires connection, kindness, and positive change.
To All Volunteers
Thank you from Kerry Volunteer Centre. Your time, compassion, and commitment do not go unnoticed. You are the heart of our communities, and your contribution reaches further than you may ever realise. Because of volunteers, communities are stronger, more connected, and more compassionate. Your willingness to give your time continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of others every day.
For Volunteers
- Keep an eye out for National Volunteering Week 2026 resources and events happening across Kerry and Ireland.
- If you already volunteer, why not encourage a friend or family member to join you? Be an ambassador for the organisation or cause you support.
- If you’ve been thinking about volunteering but aren’t sure where to begin, National Volunteering Week is the perfect opportunity to get started. Contact us at Kerry Volunteer Centre or explore opportunities through I-VOL.
- Get involved on social media by sharing why you volunteer using #NVWIreland, #IVY26 and tag Kerry Volunteer Centre to join the celebration.
As we celebrate National Volunteering Week, we encourage Volunteer Involving Organisations (VIOs) to take this opportunity to recognise and thank the people who give their time so generously. Whether through a simple gesture of appreciation, a public acknowledgment, or a dedicated event, taking time to celebrate volunteers can have a lasting impact.
For Organisations
- Visit our National Volunteering Week resources below to help celebrate and promote volunteering within your organisation and community.
- Record a short video thanking your volunteers and sharing why they are important to your organisation. Share it by email and on social media using #NVWIreland, and tag Kerry Volunteer Centre so we can help share your message.
- Host a volunteer appreciation event – this could be a coffee morning, quiz, scavenger hunt, social gathering, or even a training session.
- Present volunteers with a certificate of appreciation. You can email certificates directly to volunteers or share them on social media.
- Highlight the impact volunteers make within your organisation and community. Let volunteers know the difference they make every day.
- Share volunteer stories with your local community, local media, and online audiences to inspire others to get involved.
- Join the conversation online using #NVWIreland & #IVY26 and help celebrate volunteering across Kerry and Ireland.
Let’s come together to celebrate the spirit of volunteering across Kerry and throughout Ireland – because from every corner, for every cause, volunteers make a difference every single day.
#NVWIreland #NVW #Kerry #Volunteering
#ThankYou #IVY26 #FromEveryCornerForEveryCause
