 The Passion for the World Around US Awards forms part of Vodafone's Corporate Social Responsibility programme and illustrates Vodafone's ethos of passion for the world around us. The awards recognise and honour those in our society who actively demonstrate a commitment to improving the world in which we live.
The award programme acknowledges individuals or groups that have made a positive difference to their local community, for example those who have:
* Set up environmental projects such as recycling or litter collection programmes
* Introduced or supported educational or safety initiatives in their local area
* Participated in organisations and groups that benefit members of the community
* Volunteered their time to help others in the community
For the first time, the awards are open to local businesses of any size that have demonstrated activities which mirror corporate responsibility, for example:
A business that:
- Encourages and supports volunteering amongst employees
- Has made efforts to encourage conservation of their local environment
- Actively support their community via Corporate Responsibility focused activity
Click here to view the nomination form, which you can print off and fill out, and return to Waterford Chamber, 2 George's Street, Waterford.
2007 Winners
John Mahon
John Mahon has been honoured for his lifelong voluntary work with the Waterford Crystal Swimming Club and Splash World, becoming a recipient of a Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Awards in Waterford.
John has been a voluntary swimming instructor for the past 40 years. It is estimated that John has taught over 10,000 children and adults from all over Waterford how to swim. He has taught all these people not only how to swim, but has also encouraged them about health and fitness and the importance of water safety.
John is an active board member of the Munster Council and Swim Ireland, and to date he is the only member who has been elected as President twice. His commitment has been very substantial over the years, and is now actively involved in teaching people with special needs how to swim.
John, a swimming veteran has continuously showed his enthusiasm for swimming and this has ensured that the youth of Waterford enjoyed swimming, while developing their personal and social skills that will shape their character for years to come. His friendly approach has benefited many young people in Waterford over the years.
John received a specially commissioned, handmade award designed by Irish artist Michelle Hannan and a certificate at a ceremony held recently. According to Ken Power, Vodafone Business Account Manager in Waterford, “John’s award is greatly deserved and I’d like to pay tribute to him for his loyalty and commitment to teaching people how to swim in Waterford down through the years. His life long commitment to teaching swimming has certainly made the task very enjoyable for the thousands of people he has taught how to swim. John is a true local hero and an example to everyone of how to make a positive contribution to the community in Waterford.”
His remarks were echoed by Andrew O’Neill President of Waterford Chamber who said, “John is an extremely worthy winner and we are delighted that he is a recipient of a Passion for the World Around Us Award. John is well known in Waterford and it is only right that he should receive the recognition he deserves. I’d like to thank Vodafone for making this award possible and for their help and assistance in organising the awards.”
Waterford Crystal
At a special presentation ceremony recently, Vodafone and Waterford Chamber announced Waterford Crystal as the business recipient of a Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Award in Waterford.
Waterford Crystal is an integral part of the business community in Waterford. Over the years they have shown tremendous support for community, cultural and sporting activities throughout the city of Waterford.
The company set up Waterford LEDC with Ballybeg Community Development Project, a community based economic development company, established in response to the lack of economic activity in the city of Waterford.
Waterford Crystal has been the driving force behind Waterford LEDC, which works directly with disadvantaged communities in the city.
The Passion for the World Around Us Awards are run by Vodafone in partnership with Waterford Chamber and 17 other Chambers nationwide.
The awards recognise and reward individuals and businesses who make an effort to improve their local communities and who have been successful in making a positive contribution to the world around them. Waterford Crystal received a certificate and a specially commissioned, handmade award designed by Irish artist Michelle Hannan at a ceremony held recently.
Ken Power, Vodafone Business Account Manager for Waterford said, “Waterford Crystal’s award is greatly deserved and I’d like to pay tribute to the management and staff of the company for their continued support to the social and economic development of Waterford city.
“Andrew O’ Neill, President of Waterford Chamber echoed Mr Power’s comments who said, “Waterford Crystal are extremely worthy winners and we are delighted that they are the business recipient of the Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Award in 2007. The company has shown true passion for Waterford city down through the years. I’d like to thank Vodafone for sponsoring such a laudable award. ”
Nicky Cummins & Geriatrics
Renowned entertainment group Nicky Cummins & Geriatrics are the first recipients of this year’s Vodafone Passion for the World Around Us Awards in Waterford. Nicky and his team received the award for sharing their musical talents and for the time dedicated in entertaining people at charity events in the Waterford area and in particular the Golden Year Festival, for which they have become a main attraction to those who come from the 26 counties.
Nicky has been involved in the music business for the last 35 years and is very well known in Waterford. He started his career at his nieces wedding and has never looked back. The group are always happy to take time out of busy schedules to play at various charity events in the county. The unusual name ‘Nicky Cummins & Geriatrics’ shows Nicky and his team’s commitment and loyalty to entertaining older people.
The Passion for the World Around Us Awards are run by Vodafone in partnership with Waterford Chamber and 17 other Chambers nationwide. The awards recognise and reward individuals and businesses who make an effort to improve their local communities and who have been successful in making a positive contribution to the world around them. Nicky received a certificate and a specially commissioned, handmade award designed by Irish artist Michelle Hannan at a packed ceremony held in the Chamber offices on Wednesday 15th August. He made a heartfelt speech thanking all that supported, worked and helped along the way.
Andrew O’Neill, President of Waterford Chamber who said, “Nicky & The Geriatrics are extremely worthy winners and we are delighted that they are the first recipient of a Passion for the World Around Us Award in 2007. Nicky has certainly shown passion and commitment for people living in the community around him and it is only right that he should receive the recognition that he and all those involved deserve. I’d also like to thank Vodafone for sponsoring such a laudable award” he concluded.
Ken Power, Vodafone Business Account Manager for Waterford echoed Mr O’ Neill’s comments, “Nicky’s award is greatly deserved and I’d like to pay tribute to him and the group for the amount of time they have given to local charities in the Waterford area. Their commitment to entertaining people and making people laugh over the last number of years is a great example of someone making a positive contribution to their local community. Vodafone has a choir who sing at Christmas for elderly people and we see the great joy and entertainment it brings for all involved.”
At the ceremony Waterford Chamber also announced a call for nominations for the next round of The Passion for the World Around Us Awards. This round will focus on businesses in Waterford and the surrounding areas that have made a valuable contribution to the community. Nomination forms are available from Waterford Chamber offices or the website http://www.waterfordchamber.ie/, local Vodafone stores or via http://www.vodafone.ie/. Once completed, the forms should be returned to the Chamber. Entries can also be sent via email, to
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. Simply send the name of the business being nominated and details of why they deserve the award. The deadline for entries is 30th September 2007 and the award will be announced a short time later.
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