Nasc will mark the UN International Day of Charity for the first time on Saturday 5 September, with Cork Communities in Action, a free, family-friendly celebration taking place in Bishop Lucey Park from 2 pm to 4 pm.
Organised by The Wheel, the national association of charities and community groups, in partnership with Cork City Partnership, Cork City Public Participation Network (PPN), Cork City Volunteer Centre, Horizons Cork, NASC and Nano Nagle Place, the event will bring together local charities, community organisations, volunteers and members of the public for an afternoon of music, creative performances, family activities and opportunities to get involved in community life.
The event will showcase the extraordinary breadth of this work, allowing the public to meet local organisations, discover ways to get involved in their communities and celebrate the contribution of the community and voluntary sector to life in Cork.
Pat Watt, CEO of The Wheel, said, “Across County Cork, more than 1,186 charities, alongside thousands of community and voluntary groups, support people at every stage of their lives. Their work ranges from early years and youth services to disability support, homelessness, health and social care, arts and culture, climate action, community development, sport, and services for older people.
These organisations are part of a wider sector that nationally provides essential services that benefit millions of people every year. Their work spans an extraordinary range of activities that we all benefit from at various points in our lives. Cork Communities in Action offers a great opportunity to celebrate this contribution, recognise the people behind it, and encourage Corkonions to get involved in their communities,” said Pat Watt.
The International Day of Charity was declared by the United Nations General Assembly in 2012 to raise awareness of charitable activity and provide a common platform for charity-related activities around the world. The day recognises the contribution of charitable, philanthropic and volunteer organisations and encourages people to support causes and communities at local, national, regional and international levels.
The event is free, and no registration is required. People of all ages are welcome to attend.