We’re already halfway through National Volunteering Week, and today’s uplifting story is a perfect example of ‘From Every Corner, For Every Cause.’ It’s a reminder that each of us has something valuable to offer – and that we can get so much back.

Here is Sweta’s story:

“Volunteering at St. Patrick’s Festival this year was the most grounded I’ve felt since I moved here three years ago. Going behind the scenes gave me an incredible sense of how many hands, how much care, and how much quiet dedication go into bringing something like this to life. It was thrilling and humbling in the best way.

For three days, I volunteered across locations around the city, helping bring the concept of Irish pride and community to lived experiences, and the atmosphere on every single day was buzzing! Children, parents, performers, volunteers, event organisers, all beaming with festive smiles, even in the face of grey skies. That energy will stay with me for a very long time.

And I can’t talk enough about the experience without talking about the people. The incredible conversations with those who’ve worked on events like this for years, and the connections I made that I’m still in touch with, all of whom left a piece of Dublin with me. I heard once in a film, “the people are the place,” and it’s something I’ve truly experienced on the back of my volunteering experience.

I came to Ireland wanting to belong somewhere. These few days of volunteering reminded me that belonging is built, slowly but quietly, in moments exactly like these. To anyone who’s looking for a place for themselves – this is truly where to begin. It will fill your heart and then some.”