The Irish Red Cross has launched a call for nominations for the seventh annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards. The Awards recognise those who exemplify the vital spirit of humanitarian action in Irish society and celebrates that ‘good deeds matter’.

The Irish Red Cross is part of the largest humanitarian organisation in the world, working both in Ireland and internationally to provide emergency response in times of disaster and crisis. The charity also provides a range of health and wellbeing services to support vulnerable people in local communities and including those who arrive to Ireland fleeing conflict. In today's world of global conflict and climate related challenges, humanitarian work has never been more crucial. From neighbours helping each other to get essential supplies during the recent snow days to organisations providing crisis relief, humanitarians play an essential role in protecting and promoting human dignity, alleviating suffering, and fostering resilience in communities facing adversity.

"A humanitarian can be anyone – a world leader to a local volunteer; a business professional to a community worker," explains Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General of the Irish Red Cross. "What they demonstrate is their commitment to putting humanity first and taking action to help others in need. Every humanitarian action contributes to a more compassionate society.”

The awards celebrate these contributions across six categories:

• Humanitarian of the Year
• Young Humanitarian of the Year
• Community Organisation of the Year
• Humanitarian Journalist of the Year
• Corporate Impact

The Irish Red Cross will also present a Lifetime Achievement Award on the awards night. Full details are: www.irchumanitarianawards.ie.

Since their establishment in 2018, the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards have highlighted remarkable stories of everyday heroes whose good deeds have transformed lives across Ireland. These awards not only recognise outstanding contributions but also remind us that acts of kindness, both big and small, are the foundation of a stronger, more united community.

"The humanitarian spirit shows us that good deeds matter more than ever," Garvey adds. "Whether it's helping a single person or supporting thousands, each positive action contributes to building a better world. Through these awards, the Irish Red Cross continues to champion the belief that good deeds matter, demonstrating how individual actions, guided by compassion and humanity, can create lasting positive change in our communities and beyond.”

The public can submit nominations through the awards website at www.irchumanitarianawards.ie until February 28th. Winners will be honoured at a special ceremony on May 8th, 2024, International Red Cross and Red Crescent Day at the Royal College of Physicians on Kildare Street, Dublin. Both self-nominations and nominations of others are accepted.