The seventh annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards took place at the Royal College of Physicians, shining a light on the positive impact of individuals, community groups and businesses who use their passion, skills and volunteering to improve lives, reduce suffering and give a voice to humanitarian issues in Ireland and abroad.
Speaking at the awards, An Tánaiste, Simon Harris, TD, said: “The nominees for the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards represent the very best of us.
“They live the values of decency and compassion that are at the heart of what it means to be Irish.
“In a world where humanitarianism is so desperately needed, their efforts should inspire us all.
“I congratulate the nominees and thank the Irish Red Cross movement for their humanitarian work in Ireland, Gaza, Ukraine and around the world.”
Attending dignitaries included the Ukrainian ambassador, Larysa Gerasko; Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ibeyemi Aisha Ajiboye-Roberts; the first counsellor of the State of Palestine, Mr Baker Hijazi; and Senator Aubrey McCarthy who is a previous Humanitarian Award winner.
Deirdre Garvey, Secretary General, Irish Red Cross, said: “In an increasingly divided and challenging world, the need to uphold the principle of humanity has never been more urgent.
“The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards are a celebration of those who choose to act, not stand by.
"Our award winners and nominees are living proof of what it means to stand on the side of humanity. Their compassion changes lives.
“We honour their work, their courage, and their ability to lift people out of darkness with kindness. We in the Irish Red Cross stand with them, because in times of crisis, what matters most is people.”
🌍 Celebrating Kindness, Courage & Community 🌍
— Irish Red Cross (@irishredcross) May 8, 2025
The 7th annual Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards honoured everyday heroes making extraordinary impact — in Ireland and beyond. 🧵👇 #HumanitarianAwards2025 #IrishRedCross pic.twitter.com/SMOUbn8YWu
The Humanitarian Awards is unique to Ireland.
This year, more than two hundred nominations were received with the youngest nominee being just 12 years old.
They were judged by a multidisciplinary panel of professionals.
The Lifetime Achievement Award, selected by the Board of the Irish Red Cross, was presented to former President of Ireland, Mrs. Mary Robinson.
On receiving the award, Mrs. Robinson said: “This is an honour I appreciate deeply.
“It was during my international work that I really understood the role that the Red Cross movement plays in the most difficult circumstances.
“I really want to wish the Red Cross in Ireland and globally all the courage, resilience and stamina that is required to continue to always be there on the side of humanity in this difficult world.”
The Awards presentation was held on World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day, 8 May, marking the birthday of Henry Dunant, founder of the world’s largest humanitarian movement and the recipient of the very first Nobel Peace Prize.
Sarah McInerney, RTÉ broadcaster and MC of the Awards said: “The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards celebrate humanity at its best – honouring individuals and communities who have gone above and beyond to make a real difference in the lives of others.
“They do this not for applause, not for headlines, but because they believe, simply and profoundly, in helping people.”
The five winners named at the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards 2025 are:
Angela Hayes, Thomas Hayes Trust, received the Humanitarian of the Year award, supported by Bewleys.
Angela founded The Thomas Hayes Trust in 2014 to address the lack of suicide prevention and bereavement support services.
Through Teac Tom, she provides immediate walk-in crisis intervention, professional counselling, and family support without waiting lists.
In 2024, Teac Tom delivered nearly 5,000 one-to-one support and therapy sessions for adolescents, adults, and children, accessible without doctor referrals and at minimal cost.
Angela fundraises €300,000 annually to maintain these critical services and ensure cost is never a barrier for those in need.
“Winning the Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards is a deeply humbling and proud moment for me,” Angela said.
“It represents a recognition not just of my work, but of the resilience, compassion, and commitment that drive everything I do to support those affected by suicide and mental health challenges.
“To be acknowledged by an organisation rooted in humanity and hope affirms that even the smallest acts of care can create ripples of change—and I’m honoured to stand among others who are striving to make a difference.”
Lauren Jones Brennan received the Young Humanitarian of the Year award, presented by Forsa.
From Blanchardstown, Dublin, Lauren serves as a UN Youth Delegate advocating for youth rights, climate action, and gender equality at international forums.
Lauren has co-drafted UN youth resolutions, secured funding for Global South delegates, and raised €27,000 for poverty alleviation efforts.
“Winning this award is such an honour,” she said.
“It’s not simply an acknowledgement of my work, but of the collective efforts of young humanitarians I encounter every day who pave the way for sustainable change, speak up for those less able to do so, and who continue to courageously champion humanitarian principles, even in times of great uncertainty.”
Sanctuary Runners received the Community Organisation of the Year award, presented by Uniquely.
Founded in Cork, they have expanded across 40 locations in Ireland and into the UK. Sanctuary Runners use running, jogging, and walking to unite asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, and Irish residents.
They made history at the Dublin Marathon when their team of 70 runners included 25 individuals seeking international protection in Ireland—marking the largest group of asylum seekers to complete a full marathon globally.
Their diverse team, with members from countries including Botswana, Afghanistan, Zimbabwe, and Ukraine, demonstrated how sport can create powerful bonds of solidarity across cultural differences.
Graham Clifford, Founder - Sanctuary Runners said: "When we told our multicultural family of runners and walkers that the Red Cross was recognising us for our work there was a wave of gratitude.
“Whether the person came from Ireland or Syria, Afghanistan or Venezuela, Palestine, or Myanmar....everyone has an equal respect for the Red Cross and everything it stands for.
“We stand taller today because of this recognition. Thank you Irish Red Cross."
Winner of the Humanitarian Journalism Award was Sorcha Pollak, Irish Times.
Sorcha’s decade-long coverage of immigration in Ireland has given voice to asylum seekers and migrants.
Her investigations have revealed unsafe conditions in accommodation centres and documented attacks on vulnerable individuals.
Speaking at the awards, Pollak said: “Many thanks to the Irish Red Cross for the humanitarian journalist award.
“It helps to further highlight the myriad challenges asylum seekers and refugees face when coming to Ireland to begin a new life, most recently Palestinians arriving from the war-torn, stricken Gaza strip.
“We, as a wealthy, stable, democratic Western European nation, should never lose sight of the privileges we enjoy and our obligation as human beings to support those fleeing violence, war and death."
The final award was received by AIB for Corporate Impact, presented by BusinessPlus.
AIB’s partnership with the GOAL Mile fundraiser has increased funds raised by 180%, generating €753,000 in 2024 alone. Their "Step Up Together" campaign expanded GOAL Mile locations by 26% while leveraging AIB's nationwide branch network to maximise community engagement.
*This article was originally published on BusinessPlus.ie.
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