Stepaside student is honoured as a volunteer of the year

A STUDENT from Stepaside Educate Together Secondary School has have been selected from hundreds of young people from across the country to be recognised for the initiative, effort and impact demonstrated as a volunteer.

Benat Broderick joined fellow students Adara Garcia, Ciara McKenna and Lena Goumaa who have been honoured as Ireland’s Top Youth Volunteers of the Year

Adara, Ciara, Benat and Lena received their awards at the Pramerica Spirit of Community ceremony, which was held at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin.

All students were presented with a silver medallion and €500 for a charity of their choice.

Benat volunteers with Cystic Fibrosis Ireland and helps with their fundraising activities such as 65 Roses Day, the National Fundraising Day for Cystic Fibrosis.

Benat lives with Cystic Fibrosis (CF) and has always been eager to support others with the illness. He used his voice to educate the public and began speaking out on social media to discuss the illness and its challenges.

As the conversation grew, he began to write articles and speak on radio and TV programmes to spread information and generate more awareness of the illness. Benat was recognised as one of the Top Youth Volunteers in the Junior Category. 

“I am incredibly proud of all the honourees for their dedication to volunteer work within their community,” said Andrea McBride, vice president of Information Systems, Pramerica Systems Ireland.

“These inspirational young students have set a great example, and I hope that the work of these students empowers others to become more active in their local communities across Ireland.

“I commend Adara, Ciara, Benat and Lena along with all 20 honourees, for their efforts towards creating positive change in their communities.”

Former professional footballer, psychotherapist, and mental fitness teacher, Richie Sadlier, gave the keynote address at the awards ceremony and spoke about his personal insights and experiences from his own volunteer work.