NOMINATOR

NOMINEE

1. Background and Extent of fundraising undertaken: Michael has volunteered with Dublin Simon Community for 26 years as part of our annual Fun Run.  For 10 of these years he also volunteered on the Dublin Simon Soup Run. The Fun Run would not be an annual event only for Michael's efforts. The very first Fun Run, along the Dublin City Quays, proved to be the biggest, attracting a record crowd of 2,400 - not bad for a race organised by a non-athletic body. Because of the numbers it received the race was moved to the phoenix park the next year. Within a short space of time Michael found himself Race Director. Dublin Simon Staff have come and gone but he has always been there to help manage this event. He plans the race route. He manages the actual race on the day. He attends meetings on the planning of the event for 6 months of every year and always treats new staff members with respect and kindness even though it might be his 26th time going over the same ground with new people. The Dublin Simon Fun Run is one of the longest charity events in the phoenix park and it's success and longevity is down to Michael's dedication to Dublin Simon Community. He has great expertise in the area of organising such a run and puts a huge amount of time and effort into the Fun Run each year. It is a very important annual fundraiser for Dublin Simon Community.
2. Distinctiveness of the effort: The fun Run is not only a great fundraiser for Dublin Simon Community but it also generates much needed awareness. Because of Michael's involvement in the Fun Run it is still one of the major Dublin Simon fundraising events. All the monies raised from the Fun Run goes directly into Dublin Simon Community Services. Without events like the Fun Run Dublin Simon would not exist and without volunteers like Michael Donlan the Fun Run would not be where it is today.
3. Longevity: Michael has volunteered for over 26 years with Dublin Simon Community. He has been involved with the Fun Run since the beginning and which is one of our main annual fundraisers generating over ?1 million since its inception. He also has volunteered on the Soup Run for 10 years.
4. Innovation: Michael has a great relationship with the OPW and the gardai. They meet regularly every year and if the OPW or Gardai have any problem with any aspect of the race, we facilitate them. He also has excellent relationships with the Irish Athletics association, BHAA from whom he plays tribute too and learned a lot from they were great race organisers. Michael ropes in friends and family to help with the race every year and has excellent relationships with volunteers and Dublin Simon staff.
5. Leading by example: Michael is also heavily involved with the Scouts and has previously been nominated for the Unsung Hero award. Michael is an inspiration to everyone in Dublin Simon for his commitment, enthusiasm and dedication.