Search on for local community champion

DUBLIN communities are being asked to nominate their local heroes who work tirelessly to improve the lives of the people around them for the title of Calor Community Champion 2013.

The all-Ireland initiative is now entering its second year and following a successful competition in 2012 a prize fund of over

?¬10,000 has been set up for this year’s contest.

Calor’s search for local unsung heroes will be led this year by TV and radio personality, Síle Seoige, legendary GAA broadcaster, Micheál Ã? Muircheartaigh and supported by well-known Northern Ireland chef and broadcaster, Paula McIntyre.

Paula, Síle, Micheál and the team at Calor are asking Dubliners to be their eyes and ears in helping to find the Community Champion 2013.

To enter and nominate a local Dublin hero just

‘like’ the Calor Facebook page. Once you become a

‘fan’ you can then enter the Community Champion app.

Those nominating are asked to provide the name of their nominee, contacts details and in 250 words why they think their hero deserves to win.

Speaking at the official launch of the initiative, Síle Seoige, who’s head of the judging panel said:

“It’s 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 nominees, and I am looking forward to placing the spotlight firmly on our local heroes across Dublin 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 Dublin, so get nominating today!

?

Mary Geraty, Communications Manager, Calor Gas, said the Calor team was energised by last year’s entries, which provided a glimpse of the work being carried out by unsung heroes across Dublin.

“It has provided us with a closer connection to the communities in which we work,

? she added.

“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 a

“truly humbling experience

? 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,

? he added.

“The positive effect the prize has had for the Rainbow Animal Rehoming Centre, the Dublin 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 e1,500 and a bursary of e7,500 to give to their nominated charity or local organisation.

The two runners-up will each receive e500. Calor will also throw in e500 for the person or organisation that nominated them. Nominations to crown this year’s champion will close on September 30.

Calor will select the top 32 local champions, one from each county, and put them to the public vote from October 4 through the Calor Facebook app.

The public will have close to four weeks to vote for their favourite local champion and the top four and two wildcards will make it through to the final phase.

The overall winner will be chosen by the judging panel and the Calor Community Champion 2013 will be announced on November 6. For information and to nominate your local champion, visit and

‘like’ at facebook.com/calorireland.