Applications have opened for the Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards.
Each year, grants of between €1000 and €5000 are given to different organisations.
Any voluntary and community group based in an area served by Dublin Bus is eligible to apply for a grant.
There are three amounts: €1,000, €2,000 and €5,000.
Last year, 85 different groups won grants from the Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards.
The money helped local sports clubs buy defibrillators, charities to support the welfare of children in hospital, and asylum seekers living in Direct Provision to establish cooking groups.
Joe Watson, Dublin Bus Driver, said the "difference these groups can make to someone's life is just unreal"
"My son has cerebral palsy and it was important to find a social activity he could be involved with.
That's why I began volunteering with the 164th Brackenstown Scout Troop as a leader and I have been with them ever since.
The scout troop is made up of volunteers and funding helps us to plan trips and carry out so many activities".
Ray Coyne, Dublin Bus CEO said:
"The work these groups do is instrumental in building our communities and we cannot thank them enough.
The CSAs deservedly help to highlight the people who give up their time and resources to improve the lives of others.
They show our continued support for the development of new projects and growing community services across Dublin".
Voluntary groups which work in the following areas can apply to the Community Spirit Awards:
- 1. Children and Youth
- 2. Sport
- 3. People with Disabilities
- 4. Older People
- 5. Environment and Local Community
Since 2004, the Dublin Bus Community Spirit Awards have supported nearly 1,900 groups.
They include 131 groups supporting people with disabilities, 120 education organisations and 65 active age groups.
