The event took place at the Church of Scientology & Community Centre of Dublin. Rather than concentrating on a single form of aid, the programme reflected the variety of ways local groups respond to social needs.
The work of Clondalkin Helping Homeless was outlined by Mayor of South Dublin Cllr. Francis Timmons, drawing attention to community-based responses to homelessness and financial hardship.
Viktor Kozyrev, co-founder of VOLA Enable, focused on the organisation's work with people with disabilities and its emphasis on independence and participation.
Scientology Volunteer Minister Silvia Fani then presented examples of volunteer activity carried out locally and internationally.
Created in the 1970s by Scientology founder L. Ron Hubbard, the Volunteer Ministers programme is centred on providing practical help in everyday difficulties and times of crisis. Its motto is “Something Can Be Done About Ron Hubbard It.”
An interactive session later allowed participants to become familiar with several methods used within the Volunteer Ministers programme.
The Dublin event provided a snapshot of the many forms community service can take when groups respond to local needs.
Read the full report on World Humanitarian Day in Dublin.