The Lord Mayor of Cork Mr. John Buttimer has launched the Gathering
Volunteer Ambassadors programme. Visitors to some of Ireland’s tourism
hot spots will now be receiving an extra warm welcome as Volunteer
Gathering Ambassadors take to the streets of Cork, Galway, Killarney,
Limerick and Sligo this summer.
The Gathering Volunteer Ambassador Programme is running throughout the
summer in five cities with Gathering Volunteer Ambassadors greeting
visitors from all over the world and providing information on upcoming
Gathering events in their local area.
The Lord Mayor said “Ireland is known right across the world for the
big welcome it shows visitors to the country. This Gathering Volunteer
Ambassador programme is a brilliant way of mobilising this attitude
for this most important of years- the Gathering 2013.People who are
passionate about their area’s attractions, town’s traditions or city’s
culture can still register to be part of the Gathering Volunteer
Ambassador programme and help welcome visitors Ireland throughout the
busy tourist season so I would urge people who would like to get
involved to check it out”
Volunteer Ireland, on behalf of the Gathering Ireland 2013 is
currently recruiting for Gathering Volunteer Ambassadors for the
programme which runs until October this year. Volunteers must be 18 or
over, have fluent English and should be available to volunteer for one
two-hour shift per week from Wednesday through Sunday.
The Gathering Volunteer Ambassador programme began at the end of May
this year with a host of enthusiastic and passionate volunteers taking
up the role and joining in the fun. Volunteers were provided with full
training and were supplied with resources and info for visitors as
well as Gathering Ambassador bibs and umbrellas.
Minister of State for Tourism & Sport Michael Ring praised the
volunteers who have already signed up to the programme: “The Gathering
is all about communities and volunteer spirit, and thousands of people
across Ireland have already volunteered their time support. I am
delighted that Volunteer Ireland is now mobilising its own expertise
and networks of volunteers to provide Ambassadors who will greet
tourists, provide tourism information and promote the Gathering.”
Terri O’Brien, Volunteer Ireland said “The Gathering Volunteer
Ambassadors are already proving really popular with tourists in each
location. Sometimes something as simple as a warm welcome from a local
can make a visitor’s holiday that bit more memorable. We’re looking
for volunteers who are friendly, outgoing and knowledgeable and who
aren’t afraid to actively approach visitors and provide information
about upcoming Gathering events in the local area. For anyone
interested in taking part, apply to volunteer today and help us
celebrate The Gathering 2013 as a Gathering Volunteer Ambassador!”
For those interested in becoming a Gathering Volunteer Ambassador,
visit http://www.volunteer.ie/events/thegathering/ or call Volunteer
Ireland on 01 636 9446 to apply.
