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SpunOut.ie Blog
Congrats to Ruairi!
On receiving Social Entrepreneur award.
Big up to SpunOut.ie Co-founder and Coordinator Ruairí McKiernan, 28, who was recently awarded a 'Social Entrepreneurs Ireland' award.
The Social Entrepreneurs Ireland award was presented at a high profile ceremony in Dublin last week by Special Olympics CEO, Mary Davis and recognises Ruairí’s work in setting up the Community Creations youth charity. It also gives the cash strapped SpunOut.ie crew much needed financial and business support.
Mary Davis said on the night “Our society needs these exceptional people. In the same way as business entrepreneurs are supporting our economic growth, social entrepreneurs are driven to solve social problems in our society. We need to support both equally.”
Ruairí founded the Ballyshannon based Community Creations organisation almost three years ago. It has since gone on to establish a national reputation for innovation, creativity and effectiveness in reaching out to young people and involving them in having their voices heard. The organisation now has 3 full-time and 2 part-time staff, over young 100 volunteers throughout the country, and plans for a new Galway office.
According to Ruairí, the inspiration for his work comes from his parents work in the community, which ranges from youth work to the Credit Union movement, and his experiences in travelling abroad.
“I think we all have a responsibility to contribute to the community in whatever way best fits our interests, abilities and resources. We all know about the growing interest in money and material well-being but it's time we paid attention to the health and well-being of our communities, and particularly our young people. Ireland is falling well behind in this regard,” he said.
Word.
More info on Social Entrepreneurs Ireland at www.socialentrepreneurs.ie
