Humanitarian Awards 2025: Meet the finalists

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Humanitarian Awards 2025: Meet the finalists

April 28, 2025

The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards have been established to remind us of what is possible when people come together in support of those in need. In its seventh year, these awards offer a wonderful opportunity to shine a light on those who show incredible humanity in their actions.

The ceremony takes place on 8th May at the Royal College of Physicians of Ireland (RCPI).

Humanitarian of the Year

Angela Hayes – Teac Tom: Following her personal experience with the devastating impact of suicide, Angela Hayes recognised the critical lack of adequate suicide prevention and bereavement support services in her community. In response, she founded The Thomas Hayes Trust in 2014, creating Teac Tom as a lifeline for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Unlike many mental health services that have lengthy waiting lists, Teac Tom provides immediate, accessible support through walk-in crisis intervention, professional counseling, and comprehensive family support—ensuring that no one has to suffer in isolation during their darkest moments.

Lora Ruth Wogu – Sickle Cell Health Alliance: For the past 14 years, Lora Ruth Wogu has voluntarily advocated for patients and families affected by Sickle Cell disease and Thalassaemia while balancing her professional work as a healthcare professional and caring for her son with multiple disabilities. Her dedication extends beyond organisational leadership to direct personal support for affected families, creating a network of care that addresses both practical and emotional needs.

Joe Mason, CEO WALK: Over the past 28 years, Joe Mason has served as the CEO of WALK, a community and voluntary organisation dedicated to supporting people with intellectual disabilities in leading fulfilling, self-determined lives. Under his leadership, WALK has pioneered innovative programs that break down barriers and create opportunities, ensuring that individuals with disabilities are recognised for their abilities rather than their limitations.

Young Humanitarian of the Year

Lauren Jones Brennan: Lauren has emerged as a powerful advocate for youth rights, climate action, gender equality, and peacebuilding at the international level. She has spoken at numerous high-profile United Nations conferences, including the UN General Assembly, Summit of the Future, World Food Forum, COP 29, Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), Commission for Social Development (CSocD), Commission on Population and Development (CPD), UN Conference on Drugs and Crime, and High-Level Week. Lauren is scheduled to participate in upcoming sessions of the Human Rights Council, Financing for Development, and the High-Level Political Forum (HLPF).

Shane Gavin: Shane has demonstrated exceptional humanitarian commitment through his work supporting Ukrainian civilians affected by war. Working alongside his father, Shane helps Irish organisation Stockhouse 4x4s for Ukraine, which brings 4×4 vehicles, medical equipment, and generators to Ukraine.

Ebere Edeh: Ebere has established herself as a powerful voice for intersectional social justice and inclusion in higher education. One of her most significant achievements was securing funding from Maynooth University for free and sustainable menstrual products, providing access to over 15,000 students and positioning period poverty as a critical social justice issue. This campaign has alleviated financial stress for students struggling to afford menstrual products while framing the issue as one of dignity and equality.

Billy Lord: In a remarkable display of personal initiative and compassion, 12-year-old Billy Lord undertook an extraordinary cycling challenge to support the organisation that helped his family during his mother’s cancer treatment. After his mother was diagnosed with breast cancer in December 2023, Billy witnessed firsthand how Cuan Cancer Support Centre provided essential emotional and practical support to his entire family.

Humanitarian Journalist of the Year

Luke Butterly: Luke has established himself as a dedicated investigative journalist who uses his skills to expose systemic injustices facing marginalised communities, particularly migrants and minorities in Northern Ireland. Working with The Detail, a small outlet with only two full-time staff members, Luke has produced impactful reporting that has led to policy changes and amplified voices often overlooked in mainstream media.

Freya McClements: As Northern Editor of The Irish Times, Freya McClements has dedicated her career to illuminating the untold stories of people affected by the Northern Ireland Troubles and documenting the ongoing harm caused by the failure to address the conflict’s lasting impact on individuals and society. Her work spans human interest stories, analytical pieces, investigative exclusives, and podcasts for The Irish Times and other outlets.

Amy Ní Riada: Over the past two years, Amy Ní Riada has consistently dedicated herself to covering some of the most urgent and devastating humanitarian crises in East Africa, bringing these often-overlooked emergencies to Irish and international attention. Her in-depth reporting on the devastating floods in East Africa has given voice to communities whose lives have been upended by natural disasters exacerbated by climate change.

Sorcha Pollak: After more than a decade reporting on immigration in Ireland, Sorcha Pollak has developed unparalleled access to Ireland’s migrant communities, becoming the leading journalist covering Ireland’s evolving immigration landscape. Her work distinguishes itself by moving beyond sensationalised headlines and statistics to illuminate the human experiences behind migration stories, giving voice to people rarely heard in mainstream discourse.

Community Organisation of the Year

Sanctuary Runners: Sanctuary Runners is a solidarity-through-sport initiative that uses running, jogging, and walking to bring together asylum seekers, refugees, migrants, and Irish residents in a non-political environment focused on positive action. Founded in Cork in February 2018 by Graham Clifford and Clare Keogh, the organisation has achieved remarkable growth and impact over the past six years.

Ukrainian Action in Ireland: Founded by a dedicated group of Irish and Ukrainian volunteers, Ukrainian Action in Ireland has established itself as a vital charity dedicated to assisting Ukrainians in need and fostering Irish-Ukrainian friendship. As Russia’s full-scale invasion continues to devastate Ukraine, the volunteers of this organisation provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to Ukraine while offering crucial information support for Ukrainians who have found protection in Ireland.

Blood Bike East (BBE): Blood Bikes East provides an essential emergency medical transport service connecting hospitals, hospices, and other medical facilities throughout Dublin city and the greater Dublin area. Their free service transports urgently needed blood tests, blood products, breast milk, patient records, urgent medical equipment, and other critical medical requirements, addressing a vital need in the healthcare system without imposing costs on already strained medical services.

Corporate Impact Award

AIB and GOAL: AIB has established itself as a recognised leader in sustainability through its “Pledge to Do More” initiative, demonstrating exceptional commitment to resilience and positive societal impact. The bank’s partnership with the GOAL Mile fundraiser exemplifies this commitment, transforming a cherished Christmas tradition into an even more powerful force for humanitarian aid.

Allianz and Women’s Aid: After market research identified domestic abuse as an issue where staff and customers felt Allianz could make a meaningful difference, the company entered a three-year partnership with Women’s Aid in 2021, committing €1 million to tackling domestic violence against women and children. This strategic partnership aligned with Allianz’s brand purpose while creating an opportunity for significant positive societal impact.

Future of Ukrainian Nation: The Future of the Ukrainian Nation stands as the first Ukrainian public organisation established in County Kerry, founded in May 2023 to serve as the voice of Ukrainian refugees and a leader in promoting their integration into Irish society. The organisation emerged from the direct experiences of Ukrainians navigating the challenges of integration, providing them with unique insight into the needs and struggles of their community.

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