The 2024 Charity Excellence Awards, hosted by Charities Institute Ireland (CII) and proudly sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, highlighted the outstanding achievements within Ireland's charity sector at their annual awards event, yesterday evening (3rd October) in Dublin’s Mansion House.
Pictured left to right are Ruhama, winners of the Charity of the Year Award
Ruhama was announced as ‘Charity of the Year 2024’. Ruhama, an Irish NGO and registered charity, provides nationwide support to women affected by prostitution, sex trafficking, and other forms of commercial sexual exploitation. Established in 1989, the organisation offers a range of specialist, holistic support services that are free, confidential, and delivered by a dedicated and experienced team.
Barbara Condon, CEO of Ruhama said: “Ruhama works towards transforming the lives of women impacted by prostitution, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation. We provide a diverse range of holistic supports using a trauma-informed approach. We also raise public awareness about the harms and consequences of sexual exploitation and sexual violence. We are thrilled to win the charity of the year award and thank Charities Institute Ireland for recognising the impact and the importance of the work we do. Winning this award makes a very hidden issue become visible. We dedicate the award to the indomitable spirit of the survivors we work with; their courage and resilience inspire us every day”.
The Charity Excellence Awards bring together representatives from leading charities and community groups to celebrate the invaluable contributions of the charity sector to Irish society over the past year.
Tanya Ward, CEO of the Children’s Rights Alliance, was awarded the Excellence in Charity Leadership Award for her outstanding dedication to children's rights in Ireland. Under her leadership, the Alliance has been instrumental in transforming the lives of children by ensuring their rights are respected and protected through laws, policies, and services. Founded in 1995, this respected NGO identifies problems facing children, develops solutions, and educates the public on children's rights. Her visionary leadership makes her a deserving recipient of this prestigious award.
Winners on the night:
• Charity Board of the Year Award: Jack & Jill’s Children’s Foundation
• Finance Team of the Year Award: Galway Simon Community
• Fundraising Campaign of the Year Award: Barretstown
• Best Supporter Experience Award: Mater Hospital Foundation
• Best Corporate Charity Partnership Award: GOAL & AIB and The Hope Foundation & Specsavers
• Small Charity, Big Impact Award: Friends of the Elderly
• Emerging Leader Award: Tara Clarke, FoodCloud
• Fundraiser of the Year Award: James Sullivan, Mater Hospital Foundation
• Fundraising Team of the Year Award: Women’s Aid
• Excellence in Charity Leadership Award: Tanya Ward – Children’s Rights Alliance
• Employer Excellence Award: World Vision Ireland
• People’s Choice Award: Dog’s Trust
• Charity of the Year Award: Ruhama
David Lane, Managing Director of headline sponsor Ecclesiastical Insurance said: “As a proud sponsor of this year’s Charity Excellence Awards, we’re honoured to recognise the extraordinary work being done across Ireland’s charity sector. A heartfelt congratulations to Ruhama, this year’s Charity of the Year winner, for their dedication to supporting women affected by prostitution, trafficking, and exploitation. Their efforts in providing essential services and driving meaningful change are deeply impactful, and we’re proud to support their cause."
"Congratulations to Ruhama and all the 2024 winners for their outstanding contributions to our communities, helping to build a more compassionate and just society”.
Áine Myler, CEO of Charities Institute Ireland, added: “It’s a privilege to celebrate the remarkable achievements of charities and their teams every year at the Charity Excellence Awards. This year’s winners have demonstrated exceptional commitment, creativity, and influence in their work, creating meaningful change in our communities. Congratulations to all the winners!”.
For more information about the Charity Excellence Awards 2024, visit www.charitiesinstituteireland.ie
Slán go fóill.
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