NCBI volunteer Keith Hyland.
One of NCBI’s stalwart volunteers has been nominated for a Volunteer Ireland Award.
Keith Hyland, a lighting technician with RTE, has been giving his time and IT skills to NCBI for over a year.
The Chilean born man, who lives in Blackrock Co. Dublin, says that his time spent volunteering with NCBI both “enriches and energises my life.” Keith says that the idea of volunteering first came to him following a conversation with a colleague at the state broadcaster.
“I was talking to a colleague in RTE who was gradually losing his sight and I began to think of how it must be for him. I also began to wonder how I would deal with losing my sight if that was ever to happen to me. I approached the NCBI in Dunlaoighre and I was so impressed by Alix and Tracey who work there. I saw firsthand the service they provide to people with sight loss and they are so passionate about their work, it is inspiring. I decided there and then to impart what knowledge I have around IT to those people with sight loss who could benefit.”
Keith believes that he receives more than he gets by volunteering.
“It is a wonderful opportunity to meet wonderful people whose fortitude and determination is both a pleasure to see and an example to live by.”
The Volunteer Ireland Awards describe their annual event as “a unique opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to ordinary people doing extraordinary work across the country. The awards aim to celebrate and recognise the thousands of remarkable people across the country who selflessly give their time and talent to benefit others.”
NCBI’s Patron, President Michael D. Higgins is Patron of the Awards.