2025 Community Champion Award Goes to VIP Hub Laois!

People First Credit Union Announces the Fourth Annual €10,000 Community Champions Award!

People First Credit Union has announced VIP Hub Laois as the winner of its third annual Community Champions Award, receiving a €10,000 prize in recognition of their outstanding work supporting athletes with visual and physical impairments across County Laois. The award was presented at the credit union’s AGM, held at the Killeshin Hotel in Portlaoise on Wednesday, 28th January 2026.

The Community Champions Award was established to celebrate and support local volunteers within People First Credit Union’s common bond area, which includes Portlaoise, Abbeyleix, Athy, and Stradbally. VIP Hub emerged as the winner following a competitive selection process, besting two other finalists: Portlaoise Community First Responders and Irish Wheelchair Association Athy. The €10,000 prize will go towards supporting the Laois Inclusion Games next August, helping VIP Hub continue their vital work in providing opportunities for athletes with visual and physical impairments to participate in sports and community activities.

VIP Hub Laois

VIP Hub Laois is Ireland’s first Vision Impaired Community Physical Activity Hub, increasing sports and activity opportunities for people with visual impairments and physical disabilities. The hub promotes inclusion, training, and collaboration with local and national partners to expand accessible sports in County Laois.

Both runners up, Portlaoise Community First Responders and Irish Wheelchair Association Athy were also awarded with €2,000 each towards their projects.

Irish Wheelchair Association Athy

Irish Wheelchair Association Athy is a leading organisation supporting people with physical disabilities in Ireland. Their mission is to ensure everyone can live with choice, equality, and independence, working towards an inclusive Ireland where people with disabilities enjoy equal rights, opportunities, and full participation in society.

Portlaoise Community First Responders

Portlaoise Community First Responders (CFR) is a team of dedicated local volunteers providing immediate, life-saving assistance for cardiac arrest, heart attacks, strokes, and choking. Operating 24/7 in partnership with the National Ambulance Service, they are often first on the scene within a 7km radius, delivering crucial care and supporting families during emergencies.

The application process for the 'Community Champions Award' remains simple and accessible.

Application forms are available here.