Vodafone Ireland Foundation Launches 3-month Paid Placements

01 November 2010

Vodafone Ireland Foundation’s World of Difference programme is offering 30 people the opportunity to take a 3-month paid placement with an Irish charity of their choice. This is the chance to donate more than money; it’s the chance to donate yourself.

The programme opens for entries today and the winners will take up their position with their chosen charity next February. Interested applicants are encouraged to find a charity that they want to work with, agree on a position they can fulfil and then apply online at www.vodafone.ie/foundation or the ‘World of Difference’ Facebook site. Likewise, charities are advised to find their own applicants for the programme if they have a specific project in mind but just need the right person. Charities can even seek like-minded souls and advertise for suitable applicants on the Facebook site to find their perfect match.

The judges, Aoibhinn Ní Shúilleabháin, Darren Byrne, Frances Black, Jason O’Brien and Jenny Huston each has a strong interest in the charity sector and are keen to find 30 people who they believe can make the most difference. They are calling for entries before application closes on Sunday, 21st of November, 2010.

The World of Difference 3 month paid placement is an extension of the annual World of Difference programme where, every year, the Vodafone Ireland Foundation, the charitable arm of Vodafone, gives four people the chance to work for a charity of their choice for a year, with their salary and expenses paid. Joining the fight against gender inequality with Plan Ireland; providing support to families of those affected by addiction with the RISE foundation; and fundraising for the Paralympic Council of Ireland (PCI) are just some of the inspiring directions that past participants in the World of Difference lives took. For those that have had always had the yearning to lend their talents to charity but haven't had the time or the financial support, the World of Difference 3 month paid placement can really open up new and exciting opportunities.

Speaking at the launch Vodafone Ireland Consumer Director, Stefano Gastaut said, “Vodafone Ireland Foundation is delighted to bring the World of Difference programme to another level this year. We expect there’ll be great interest in this new initiative, as we have seen with past World of Difference programmes. This is a testament to the appetite that exists amongst Irish people to bring about positive change. The benefits for our charity partners is huge, especially during these difficult economic times”.

World of Difference winner and ambassador, Mark O’Doherty of the RISE Foundation said, “Being part of the World of Difference programme changed my life and took me from wishing I could get involved in charity work to working with the RISE Foundation. My advice for anyone interested in being a World of Difference winner is to team up with a charity or cause that really means a lot to you. I’d urge anyone who can to enter this competition and change their world and the world of others”

Applications for the Vodafone Ireland Foundation World of Difference 3 month paid placement can be submitted online via the Vodafone Ireland Foundation website at www.vodafone.ie/foundation or on the ‘World of Difference’ Facebook page.