Two young people from Laois has been honoured at the 2024 Laois/Offaly Garda Divisional Youth Awards, held in the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise.
Ciara Long and Evie Friel, cadets at the Order of Malta, Portlaoise, received a group award, recognising their commitment and community spirit in joining the organisation.
A Garda Youth Award recognises the outstanding achievement of young people between the ages of 13 and 21, who have undertaken exceptional work in their local communities or who have shown great determination in their own lives.
The Order of Malta Cadets is a dynamic Youth Programme within the Ambulance Corps which provides first aid training and activities for young people in their communities.
It is a recognised National Youth organisation and a member of the National Youth Council of Ireland.
The Cadets are trained in basic lifesaving skills – First Aid, CPR, and assist with many activities of daily living, as well as radio operator and ambulance equipment awareness.
This group has organised a bake-athon, where baked goods were hand delivered to local nursing homes, community nursing units, paediatric department of the local hospital as well as the Fire and Garda Stations.
They have run and organised a food drive for both PATH (Portlaoise Action to Homelessness group) and the Knight Run; organised Secret Santa presents for children with additional needs; and raised money for the Order’s Ambulance fund.
“Week after week this group continuously turn up for training and duties,” organisers said.
“They spend hours volunteering their time to help provide ambulance and First Aid cover at local community events with no reward all while smiling, engaging and chatting happily to
members of the community.
“This group are never afraid to lend a hand to the vulnerable
and older members of the community.
“Their spirit and determination has encouraged other cadet groups to get more involved in their communities.
“They really are an inspirational group of young people.”
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