Award for Tipp fundraisers

Tipperary couple Tom and June Williams were among 24 people honoured at an award ceremony hosted by the humanitarian organisation Concern Worldwide after raising thousands of euros for the world’s poorest people.

Concern described Tom and June, from Cloughjordan, as being “steadfast supporters” who were “motivated by a deep desire to help those most in need.”

The charity said the couple raised over €14,000 from churchgate collections alone and added: “Their long-standing dedication is a shining example of community spirit and quiet generosity that makes a real difference.”

June and her husband Tom, who used to perform in the popular Majorca Showband in the 1960s and who still sings for his local choir, received medals for their “outstanding commitment” at a ceremony for 24 awardees in the Concern offices in Dublin city.

“We were delighted to get the award,” said June, who began fundraising for Concern in 1988.

“We do it because we want to help out and didn’t expect any award for it.”

“We are grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who help us reach millions of people living in extreme poverty and hunger every year,” said Concern’s Community Fundraising Manager Joanne Arnold.

“Concern’s work continues despite many challenges. The families we support in places like Sudan and Gaza cannot be reached without the support we get from our volunteers.

“They include the adjudicators who help us run Concern Debates which has been hugely successful in getting students thinking and talking about the many issues the world faces.”

Concern’s Volunteer Awards began in 2013 to celebrate the vital contribution made by the organisation’s volunteers in Ireland.

Many raise funds that enable Concern to continue to alleviate poverty and hunger, which last year alone saw 27.3 million people reached in 27 countries. Concern was formed in 1968 in response to the Biafran famine in Nigeria.

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