Waterford Volunteer Centre to be officially opened
Some of those involved with the Waterford Volunteer Centre.
Waterford Volunteer Centre (WVC) will officially open its new premises at 21 O’Connell Street, Waterford, on Tuesday, December 2.
The opening will mark a major milestone in strengthening volunteering across the city and county.
Established in 2021, Waterford Volunteer Centre is part of Ireland’s national network of volunteer centres, supported by Volunteer Ireland and funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development.
The Centre connects individuals wishing to volunteer with non-profit and community organisations that engage volunteers, providing a one-stop shop for training, Garda vetting, placement support, integration programmes, and guidance for Volunteer-Involving Organisations (VIOs).
Since opening, WVC has rapidly expanded its reach and impact.
A spokesperson for the centre that this year the centre had: 284 active VIOs supported; 2,681 registered volunteers; Volunteers representing over 40 nationalities; More than 125 open volunteer opportunities advertised, and volunteers contributing approximately 10,000 hours annually — a significant social and economic benefit for Waterford.
The spokesperson also said the centre's relocation reflected the growing demand.
“The new Volunteer Centre will provide a welcoming, accessible and collaborative space where volunteering can continue to flourish in Waterford,” said Réka Széplaki, Manager of Waterford Volunteer Centre.
“This move represents an investment in community strength, inclusion, and active citizenship.”
Located within the Waterford Cultural Quarter, the purpose-designed premises offers: Meeting and training rooms; Back-office space for staff and coordination; A community area for coffee mornings, workshops, and networking; Improved accessibility, visibility, and public engagement.
Commenting on the benefits of the new centre, John Hawks, Chairperson of the Board of WVC, said: “Volunteering is at the heart of community life in Waterford. This new centre will help us empower even more people, organisations, and initiatives that make our county thrive.”
The development of the new centre was made possible with the support of the Department of Rural and Community Development. The official launch will take place between 11am and 12.30pm.
There will be a number of guest speakers in attendance including: Cllr. Seamus Ryan, Mayor of Waterford City and County; John Hawks, Chairperson of WVC; Nina Arvitz, CEO of Volunteer Ireland; Réka Széplaki, Manager of WVC.
To celebrate International Volunteers Day, Waterford Volunteer Centre will also host a public event on Thursday, December 4, at 4.30pm. The 'Open Doors' gathering will take place at 6pm that day.
A free event it will feature a street concert and celebration outside Tully’s Bar in partnership with Winterval Waterford.
Everyone is welcome to attend including current volunteers, organisations, future volunteers, newcomers to Waterford, and anyone curious about getting involved.
"The new Centre will enable expanded training programmes, enhanced community development initiatives, and greater collaboration among local organisations and volunteers, strengthening volunteering across the county," said the WVC spokesperson.
