The ease and safety at which it all happened was a tribute to the professionalism of the organising committee. Every aspect of the run was very well planned. Having in the previous two years raised funds for "Cystic Fibrosis" and a Lokomat Machine, this year the committee raised €7,800 for the Cappawhite Day Care Centre for the Elderly. This social centre provides full meals, entertainment and activities for people from the surrounding parishes of Cappawhite, Annacarty, Donohill, Hollyford, Kilcommon, Drombane, Doon and Oola.

A further €4,700 was raised in the Fun Day Activities organised by Cappawhite Community Council. This resulted is a net income of €12,500.

The whole day reiterated once again the tremendous community spirit, which exists in Cappawhite. It was a fantastic show of volunteerism by over 120 people which created such a great atmosphere.

Thanks to all the individuals, businesses and local organisations who contributed to make the day the success it was and to all the people who came to see and took part in the various activities.

The European Commission has said that 2011 will be the European Year of Volunteering.

Some of its aims are:

• Empower volunteer organisations and improve the quality of volunteering

• Reward and recognize volunteering activities and

• Raise awareness about the value and importance of volunteering

Volunteering plays an important role in finding solutions to social issues. Volunteers and their organisations are often at the forefront of developing innovative actions to detect, voice and respond to needs arising in society. Volunteers help to improve the quantity and quality of services and to creatively develop new services

Volunteering provides informal and non-formal learning opportunities and is therefore a crucial instrument in life-long learning. Through volunteering, people gain knowledge, exercise skills and extend their social networks, which can often lead to new or better employment opportunities, as well as personal and social development.

As Winston Churchill once said "We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give".