Search on for community champion
Calor, Ireland’s leading supplier of rural energy solutions has launched the Calor Community Champion 2013. The all-island initiative is now entering its second year, after an unprecedented response in 2012. Calor is calling out to communities across Meath to make their voices heard to find the local champions across the county who work tirelessly each and every day to improve the lives of the people around them. Calor believes it is time that these people were recognised and celebrated, and has set aside a prize fund of over €10,000 to do this.
The search has begun for local unsung heroes, and will be led this year by TV and radio personality, Síle Seoige, legendary GAA broadcaster, Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, supported by well-known Northern Ireland chef and broadcaster, Paula McIntyre.
This summer Paula, Síle, Micheál and the team at Calor need you to be their eyes and ears in helping to find the Calor Community Champion 2013. To enter and nominate your local Meath hero could not be easier; all you need to do is ‘like’ the Calor Facebook page, once you become a ‘fan’ you can enter the Community Champion app. Then just provide us with the name of your nominee, contacts details and in 250 words why you think they deserve to win!
Síle Seoige, head of the Judging Panel said: “It is a privilege to be involved in this great initiative by Calor and one which I am fully behind. I have to say it has been humbling to hear some of the inspiring stories of last year’s nominee’s, and I am looking forward to placing the spotlight firmly on our local heroes across island this year, who really are each and every community’s local heroes. You all know who they are, so give them the recognition they truly deserve. I am looking for nominations to come from every corner of Meath, so get nominating today!”
Mary Geraty, Communications Manager, Calor Gas said: “At Calor, the team were energised by last year’s entries, giving us a glimpse of the work being carried out by unsung heroes in towns and villages across Meath. It has provided us with a closer connection to the communities in which we work. That is why with this year’s Calor Community Champion we want to spread the word as far and as wide as possible. It cannot be overstated that what our local heroes or hidden treasures do for their communities cannot be measured in euro or pound signs alone. The positive impact they bring it is safe to say is immeasurable. Community Champion is one way you can recognise those who have made exceptional contributions to your local community.'
Joe Boland, the 2012 Calor Community Champion winner said: “It was truly humbling for me to be named the inaugural Community Champion. The momentum the award has had in Lifford and the local community, we have seen an increase in the numbers of young people joining us in volunteering efforts and joining me in the local scouts. The positive effect the prize has had for the Rainbow Animal Rehoming Centre, the Meath Sanctuary and the Lifford Hospital Restoration Fund is truly significant, providing them with a sustainable platform to build for the future, all thanks to the team at Calor.”
The winner of the Calor Community Champion 2013 will receive €1,500 and a bursary of €7,500 to give to their nominated charity or local organisation. The two runners-up will each receive €500. Calor will even throw in €500 for the person or organisation that nominated them. Nominations to crown this year’s champion will close on September 30th. Calor will select the top 32 local champions, one from each county and put them to the public vote from October 4th through our Facebook app. The public will have close to four weeks to vote for their favourite and the top four local champions and two wildcards will make it through to the final phase.
The Calor Community Champion 2013 will be announced on November 6th.
For information and to nominate your local champion, please visit and ‘like’ at www.facebook.com/calorireland.