Via Wings takes top prize in All–Island Pride of Place Competition
Via Wings, a Dromore–based community charity with close links to Dromore Cathedral, has won top prize in the annual Co–operation Ireland All–Island Pride of Place Awards announced at the gala ceremony in Gorey, County Wexford on Saturday 5 November.
Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government Phil Hogan TD along with Co–operation Ireland Chairman Christopher Moran and Pride of Place Committee Chairman Tom Dowling presented the group with their award.
Winning in Category eight, a ‘single issue’ category whose theme is a Community Health Initiative, the judges said that it was seldom they had come across such a unique and memorable organisation as this. They said “From small beginnings they have grown rapidly to make a huge impact on the local community. They have identified a number of health and social problems and have dealt with these in a highly effective and sympathetic fashion. The pride in their achievement was reflected by a large attendance of civic representatives on the day of the judges’ visit”.
Bishop Harold warmly congratulated the team:
“Via Wings thoroughly deserves to be honoured for its work in the community in Dromore. It has been such a blessing to so many women, and is serving others with a real sense of practical love. What is more, it is an example to all of us of how the dream formed by God in one person can be turned in to practical reality. Small is beautiful, and I look forward to supporting and encouraging others with such dreams in the future. One step at a time we will rebuild this island into a place of blessing, caring and peace. Congratulations Via Wings!”
The All–Island Pride of Place Competition recognises and celebrates the vital contributions that community partnerships make to society. The focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their local area. It differs from other similar projects in that they specifically recognise the involvement of the local community in all aspects of rural and urban regeneration including promoting social cohesion, involvement in planning, the promotion of heritage and environmental awareness.
The Competition is run by Co–operation Ireland in conjunction with the Pride of Place Steering Committee.
Via Wings was founded in 2009 and comprises Dare2Care, the House of Hope and Special Projects. Read more about their story here.
Gail Redmond (centre) and Sue Johnston receive their Pride of Place Award from Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan TD, Christopher Moran, Chairman of Co–operation Ireland and Tom Dowling, Chairman of Pride of Place Committee.