Volunteer Profile – Ade Olakotan

Ade and her son, Joshua, arrived in Ireland from Nigeria in 2023 and were resettled in Lisdoonvarna. Although Ade had never volunteered before, she quickly discovered how volunteering could open the door to new friendships and connections.

Today, she is an active volunteer with Meals on Wheels North Clare, helping to deliver meals to people in Lisdoonvarna, Doolin and Kilshanny.

Ade enjoys taking in the stunning local scenery as she coordinates and supports the volunteer drivers. The Meals on Wheels service, which began in 2023, now relies on the dedication of 16 volunteer drivers and assistants.

When Joshua, now eight, asks why she chooses to volunteer, Ade explains: “People depend on us for their meals and sometimes we may be the only people they see all day.”

As well as Meals on Wheels, Ade volunteers with Mary’s Meals, supporting fundraising efforts through bake sales and other events. The initiative raises funds to provide daily school meals to children in communities around the world and supports emergency relief efforts, providing food and assistance to people in need.

For Ade, volunteering is an important part of Irish culture and one of the things that makes Ireland unique. She values the sense of connection, conversation and kindness that volunteering creates. For her, even a small gesture, such as sharing a smile, can brighten someone’s day.