Yari rewarded for 200 hours of community work

“VOLUNTEERING gave me a sense of purpose, and helped me meet people like myself who want to do their bit to change the world”.

These are the inspirational words of Yari McCoole, who has recently won a prestigious award for volunteering an impressive 200 hours in the community – a feat which she completed in just nine months.

Indeed, just how Yari brightens up the lives of others with her volunteering, her smile lit up the Omagh Volunteers Centre (OVC), when she was presented with her gold ‘EPIC’ award by volunteer co-ordinator, Martin Cassidy.

First arranging her volunteering through OVC at Anderson House, Omagh, it was in June 2022 that Yari began her work with various groups, which has included Riding for the Disabled Association; Omagh Futsal Academy; Forsight Charity Shop; Drumragh Integrated College’s Spanish Department; and Omagh Pride, among many others.

Volunteering in the evenings after school, on weekends and during holidays, Yari feels that it is has helped her develop her skills in peer mentoring, communication and dealing sensitively with others.

She has further been involved in improving the environment on a tree planting project and litter-picking.

At present Yari is volunteering in our local youth centre, and intends to focus on her education and exams.

However, she has future plans to complete her training to enable her to support the Edmund Rice Camp later in the year.

Reflecting upon her exceptional community work, Yari said that volunteering ‘gave her a sense of purpose’.

“If there is a will there is a way,” she said.

“I would definitely recommend volunteering to the young and the elderly.”

Become an ‘EPIC’ volunteer

‘EPIC’, which stands for Empowering People In Communities, is part of an award initiative across the North that is completely free to sign up for, and is open to volunteers of all ages, and for all types of volunteering.

To qualify for an EPIC Award, volunteers must first sign up, and then make a commitment of at least 50 hours, within any 12-month period.

These hours can be gained through volunteering with one organisation, or with multiple organisations simultaneously.

There are three levels of EPIC Award: The ‘Bronze Award’ for 50 hours of volunteering; the ‘Silver Award’ for 100 hours of volunteering; and the ‘Gold Award’ for 200 hours of volunteering.

Many congratulations, and keep up the good work, Yari!

For more information, please visit ‘www.omaghvolunteercentre.org/epic-awards’.