The Melting Pot in Roscommon town has been named as one of 35 national finalists in this year’s National Lottery Good Causes Awards. The group, a non-profit organisation, will contest the Community category of this year’s awards.
The Melting Pot provides support to people who are marginalised and experiencing social exclusion within the community by offering them an opportunity to volunteer, access work experience or a respectful place to relax within the Melting Pot café, charity shop and community space.
The funding received through the HSE National Lottery Grant enabled the organisation to set up a Meals on Wheels Service knows as Dinner4U in Roscommon town and the surrounding catchment area. The service supports people to live as independently as possible and ensures their customers receive nutritious meals.
The winners will be announced at the National Lottery Good Causes awards ceremony which takes place on Saturday, October 1st in the Kilashee House Hotel, Co. Kildare, where each of the seven category winners will receive €10,000 and the overall Good Cause of the Year will take home an additional €25,000.
Gráinne Seoige, who will host the awards for the third consecutive year, said: “While last year’s event truly was unique as we had to go virtual due to the Covid restrictions in place, I am looking forward to meeting this year’s fantastic finalists in person.
“Hearing stories of triumph, strength and endurance have stood out as highlights from my previous two experiences of presenting the Awards and I am certain that this year will be no different. Seeing how communities from all over Ireland help and look out for each other is a truly inspiring part of the night and one that I am looking forward to playing a part in”.
Speaking at the announcement, Sonya Lennon who is Chair of this year’s judging panel, congratulated the 35 finalists who have reached this stage of the awards process.
“Last month, we announced 118 County winners from all over the country who all had such inspiring stories about the work they do within their communities. Narrowing that same list down to 35 finalists was certainly not an easy task as all of the entries were truly moving.
“The entire judging process has really proved just how important the Good Causes Awards are in recognizing the incredible work being carried out by groups all over the country. I am now looking forward to meeting the finalists and hearing even more about the wonderful work they all do”.
