Irish Refugee Council Wins Charity of the Year at the Charity Excellence Awards 2023

Charities Institute Ireland’s (CII) Charity Excellence Awards 2023, proudly sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance, showcased the best in class across the charity sector in Ireland. Ecclesiastical Insurance was delighted to play a role in bringing to life these awards in which Irish Refugee Council was awarded this year’s top prize of Charity of the Year 2023. For over 30 years, the charity has been supporting refugees and asylum seekers in Ireland, but 2022 was a year like no other – the organisation witnessed a 267% increase in the number of people provided with direct and substantial support. They also experienced a 60% increase in calls to the helpline and the email queries were up by 733% compared to 2021.

CII’s Charity Excellence Awards, sponsored by Ecclesiastical Insurance Ireland, took place at Dublin's Manson House earlier this week. The event saw representatives from leading organisations and community groups come together to celebrate and recognise the charity sector’s contribution to Irish society over the past year.

About the Winners on the night 

Irish Refugee Council won the Charity of The Year Award. The judges recognised the indelible mark they have left on countless lives, and in the face of unprecedented challenges, including the sudden influx of over 80,000 people, this charity rose to the occasion with unyielding compassion.

Commenting on the Award, Nick Henderson, CEO of the Irish Refugee Council said:

“We are thrilled to have won this prestigious award, even being shortlisted alongside such amazing and impactful charities was an honour. We are in challenging times but our amazing staff, supported by our board, adapted and responded, changing lives and helping people to begin a brighter future. We are hugely grateful to the organisations and people who supported us, without which our work is not possible.  We also hope the award will be considered a recognition of the amazing and important work being done by many organisations, big and small, across the country, supporting refugees and people seeking protection. Above all we dedicate this award to the people we work with, whose courage and fortitude we are in awe of.”

Heydi Foster from An Cosán was awarded the Excellence in Charity Leadership - An Cosán is an organisation which offers adult education and other services to women from disadvantaged areas, and is Ireland's largest community education organisation. Heydi has established An Cosán as an organisation of national importance whilst at the same time cementing its place within the heart of the communities it serves. An Cosán today is transforming lives and providing example to policy makers and educators throughout Ireland and internationally of what community education can achieve.

The Ronald McDonald House Ireland won one of the most meaningful awards this year - the People's Choice Award, which reflects the voice of the entire charity community.

Other winners on the night included Barretstown (Charity Board of the Year), The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation (Finance Team of the Year), Focus Ireland and Irish Red Cross (Joint winners of the Fundraising Campaign of the Year), Dogs Trust Ireland (Best Supporter Experience), Irish Youth Foundation and McDonald’s (Best Corporate Charity Partnership), Brighter Communities (Small Charity Big Impact), Michelle Hynes from Focus Ireland (Emerging Leader), Ciara Feehely from Vita Ireland (Outstanding Fundraiser of the Year), and Irish Red Cross (Fundraising Team of the Year).

Speaking of the 2023 Awards, David Lane, Managing Director at Ecclesiastical Insurance said:

“At Ecclesiastical Insurance we have a long history of fostering community and supporting causes, so it is a real honour for us to be part of the Charity Excellence Awards again this year. The Irish Refugee Council's dedication and the unprecedented increase in their support efforts in 2022 truly set a standard for the sector. We're humbled to stand alongside them as they're crowned Charity of the Year 2023. This award underscores their tireless commitment to refugees and asylum seekers, embodying the spirit of giving back that lies at the heart of every great community.

Each of the 13 winners exemplifies the power of dedication, compassion and collective action, and we are honoured to witness the remarkable impact charities have on Irish society."

Áine Myler, Chief Executive Officer at Charities Institute Ireland, said: “We are incredibly proud and honoured to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements of charities and their dedicated teams at the 2023 Charity Excellence Awards. Each winner has showcased exceptional commitment, innovation, and impact in their respective fields, contributing significantly to the betterment of our communities. The awards serve as a testament to the resilience and unwavering spirit of the charity sector in Ireland. Congratulations to all the winners.”

To find out more information about the Charity Excellence Awards 2023, visit www.charitiesinstituteireland.ie