Dublin Bus Launches 2020 Community Spirit Awards
DUBLIN BUS: PLAYING OUR PART SO YOU CAN TOO
Supporting Community and Voluntary Groups Through Our Community Spirit Awards
Today, Monday 16 November, Dublin Bus and its employees announced the launch of the 2020 Community Spirit Awards (CSAs) and invited local voluntary and community groups to apply. Any group located in an area served by Dublin Bus can apply for a grant of €1,000, €2,000 or €5,000.
2020 has been a difficult year for many. While Dublin Bus and its employees have played their part and been there for Dublin’s communities every day, so too has the real heart of our Capital; the local voluntary and community groups and their members who work selflessly and tirelessly to raise community spirit and improve the lives of those in their locality. Now, more than ever, it is important to ensure these groups can continue to play their part and receive the funds they need to make a valuable difference to their communities.
Speaking about the 2020 Community Spirit Awards, Ray Coyne, Dublin Bus CEO said: “We know that COVID-19 has made it more difficult for Dublin’s local voluntary and community groups to raise much needed funds this year. Just as our employees have put in an extra effort to be there each day for Dubliners during these difficult times, so too have these groups who have been there to support their communities and neighbours. We want them to know that we acknowledge and appreciate their dedication and I urge them to apply for a Community Spirit Award.”
Since 2004, the Community Spirit Awards has helped over 2,000 groups and projects. Last year Poppintree Early Education Centre, a community based pre-school service, received the top award of €5,000. The Centre offers early care and education to children aged 6 months to 4 years old from families experiencing poverty or significant socio-economic deprivation. Receiving the top Community Spirit Award meant they could create a safe and inspiring outdoor classroom and play area that supports early learning, physical development and social-emotional wellbeing for babies and young children that attend their service.
Grainne McKenna of Poppintree Early Education Centre commented: “The global pandemic has been very hard for children and families in Ballymun. Having been closed from 13 March, it was very important that our setting re-opened in June, to support children and their parents. Having the garden transformed for their return provided lots of excitement, and we hope to have a proper garden party to celebrate with our local community when it is safe.”
Application forms for the 2020 Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards are available now at www.dublinbus.ie and will be accepted up to 17.00 on December 21, 2020.
Successful applicants will be notified by Dublin Bus from 15 February 2021 onwards.