Humanitarian of the Year
A humanitarian of the year exemplifies selfless dedication to improving human welfare, leading initiatives that create lasting positive impact in communities facing adversity.
They demonstrate exceptional courage, innovation, and compassion in addressing critical challenges like poverty, healthcare access, education, or disaster relief, inspiring others to join in their mission of service.
Criteria
- The Humanitarian of the Year will have demonstrated extraordinary leadership in a project or endeavour that has had a positive impact on the lives of others.
- This individual will have shown courage and creativity, the power to inspire others, the ability to lead and to follow.
- The humanitarian work could be in one of the following areas: disaster relief, human development, refugee assistance, civil society, equitable economic development, health, environment, education, population or public policy.
- Self-nominations and nominations of others accepted.
Previous award winners include Aubrey McCarthy, Tammy Darcy, Mick Ryan, Gena Heraty and Alice Leahy.
Aubrey McCarthy – Humanitarian of the Year 2024.
Aubrey McCarthy, a businessman from Naas, Co. Kildare, has dedicated his life to combating marginalization experienced by those affected by violence, addiction, homelessness, and the fallout of war. Inspired by his childhood experiences of poverty, he founded Tiglin in 2008. This organisation has been a beacon of hope, providing housing for over 200 people, feeding 500 vulnerable individuals at its “Lighthouse Cafe” on Pearse Street, and running residential centres for those overcoming substance abuse. Additionally, Tiglin has extended its support to over 100 Ukrainian guests, offering employment, schooling, and recreational activities.
