Limerick man awarded after raising over €45,000 for Concern

A LIMERICK engineer and humanitarian who has raised over €45,000 for Concern has been given an award for his fundraising efforts by the aid organisation.

John Barrett was praised at the Concern Volunteer Awards at a ceremony in the charity’s Dublin office along with 23 other volunteers.

The lifelong humanitarian from Newcastle West once ran the length of Ireland from Malin Head to Mizen Head in just 48 hours and he also completed the Dublin Marathon pushing a pram the entire way – all to raise money for the work Concern does in the world’s poorest places.

“It was an unexpected honour to receive the award,” he said.

“Concern supporters from Newcastle have fond memories of the late Aengus Finucane, Concern’s former CEO, from years ago whose uncle was the boy’s school principal in the town.

“The World is one very big community where we all are so much the better off by helping each other on our journey through life's challenges.”

READ MORE: 'Limerick stands against hate': Pro-Palestinian march takes place in city

Concern praised John and everyone who has supported him throughout Limerick and Ireland during his many fundraising events, which date back to the 1980s.

“We are grateful to all our volunteers and supporters who help us reach millions of people living in extreme poverty and hunger every year,” said Concern’s Community Fundraising Manager Joanne Arnold.

“Concern’s work continues despite many challenges. The families we support in places like Sudan and Gaza cannot be reached without the support we get from our volunteers.

“They include the adjudicators who help us run Concern Debates which has been hugely successful in getting students thinking and talking about the many issues the world faces.”

Concern’s Volunteer Awards began in 2013 to celebrate the vital contribution made by the organisation’s volunteers in Ireland.  

Many raise funds that enable Concern to continue to alleviate poverty and hunger, which last year alone saw 27.3 million people reached in 27 countries.   

Concern was formed in 1968 in response to the Biafran famine in Nigeria.