Community award for South Meath Social Economy
An inspiring local organisation in Meath has won big at this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards 2024. South Meath Social Economy took home a top prize of €10,000 in the community category in recognition of their project ‘Homelife’.
This initiative is designed to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable groups by providing essential home maintenance and refurbishment services.
Beyond practical assistance, Homelife, offers companionship, reducing isolation and enhancing seniors’ quality of life. Their efforts promote social inclusion, dignity, and wellbeing, allowing individuals to stay in familiar environments. With funding from National Lottery Good Causes, South Meath Social Economy has introduced new programs like home adaptation grants and invested in staff training for personalised care.
Recognised as the 2024 Community category winner by the National Lottery Good Causes Awards, South Meath Social Economy’s work not only provides essential services but also inspires with their commitment to compassion and community service.
The Hand in Hand Cancer Charity in Galway was crowned as the overall Good Cause of the Year 2024.
This year’s Good Causes Awards ceremony took place in Killashee House Hotel in Co Kildare. Marty Whelan hosted the event and was joined by a line-up of guest presenters who handed out category awards, including TV personality Daithí Ó Sé, author and radio presenter Anna Geary, the inspiring Deborah Somorin, renowned architect and TV presenter Hugh Wallace and dancing sensation Arthur Gourounlian.
The awards are made up of seven categories: Sport, Health & Wellbeing, Heritage, Arts & Culture, Community, Youth and Irish Language.
A total of €100,000 was awarded in prizes with the seven category winners each receiving €10,000; the Hero of the Year received €5,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year, Hand in Hand received an additional €25,000.
Cian Murphy, Chief Executive of the National Lottery, said: “On behalf of the National Lottery, I want to extend our warmest congratulations to Hand in Hand, as well as to all our outstanding category winners. The work you do to make a tangible, positive difference in people's lives is nothing short of inspiring. It’s been a true privilege to stand alongside such a diverse range of organisations, each benefiting from Good Causes funding, and each playing a vital role in creating a better, more compassionate society."