Four to get chance to make a world of difference

VODAFONE Ireland Foundation yesterday announced it is to give four people the opportunity to shelve their jobs for 12 months and help change people’s lives instead.

Broadcaster Ray D’Arcy will be sitting on the judging panel, which will choose the quartet who will work with a charity of their choice for a guaranteed salary of €40,000. He said it was an unrivalled chance for people slaving away at jobs to channel their skills and help the community they live in.

“So many people are keen to put their skills to use helping others but may not have the means to do so full time.

“This opportunity gives you the chance to commit to something that you truly care about, to really help others and to make a lasting genuine difference to the charity that you will be working for.”

Those interested are invited to apply on-line and the top 30 people will be short-listed for a series of interviews in February and March.

By April the foundation hopes to choose the final four who will make a summertime start in their new jobs.

Chairperson of the Foundation Jan Mottram said for the first year it is focusing on people proposing to work on problems in Ireland.

“Since 2003 we have been working with Irish charities and from informal research we are aware that this programme is very much welcomed by charities throughout the country.

“We are searching for people with a definite project and charity in mind, one that will help change people’s lives.”

The project, under the banner of World of Difference, has already been piloted in countries such as New Zealand, Australia and Holland by the Vodafone Foundation.

Although the project in this country was officially launched yesterday there have already been applications from those interested in taking the year out.

People can find out more information at www.vodafoneirelandfoundation.ie but all applications must be received by February 13.