Three Dubliners shortlisted for Humanitarian Awards from Irish Red Cross
Among them is 22-year-old Lauren Jones Brennan, from Blanchardstown, who has been shortlisted for the prestigious Young Humanitarian Award.
Ms Brennan is currently finishing her degree in Law at Trinity College Dublin, and as a United Nations Youth Delegate, has advocated on behalf of youth rights, climate action and gender equality.
'I grew up in a single-parent family, and my mom embedded a deep sense of empathy and care for others,' she said.
'Growing up in Blanchardstown, a community full of culture and life, but also social issues, instilled in me a desire to amplify the voices of those who feel like they can't speak, or aren't empowered enough to do so.
'I have the privilege of being that voice for young Irish people, both north and south. My role encompasses the whole island.
'I go to consultations with young people from different areas and then represent them at the UN, co-drafting youth resolutions and advocating for peace, diversity, and inclusion in policy making,' she added.
Ms Brennan has been instrumental in raising significant funds for humanitarian causes, including €27,000 for poverty alleviation.
'There are a lot of challenges facing young people today, especially in terms of youth representation,' she said.
'It's difficult for young people to break into fields like policy-making when they lack access to resources or opportunities, but I'm committed to being part of that change.'
Also representing Dublin on the Humanitarian Awards shortlist, is Lora Ruth Wogu, founder of Sickle Cell and Thalassaemia Ireland, and Migrant Health Alliance Ireland.
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Lora has spent the last 14 years advocating for patients with sickle cell and thalassaemia, and trying to improve healthcare access for migrants.
She does all this while balancing her work as a healthcare professional and caring for her son, who has multiple disabilities.
Another Dubliner who has been shortlisted is Joe Mason, CEO of WALK, a support organisation for people with intellectual disabilities.
His dedication to supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities took on a new urgency when the war in Ukraine broke out.
Responding to a desperate plea from a Ukrainian mother, Joe drove to the frontline and evacuated her daughter and other vulnerable families, saving lives and providing critical supplies.
His advocacy has also brought attention to the plight of disabled refugees, with Olena – one of the mothers he rescued – becoming the first Ukrainian woman to address an Oireachtas committee on the challenges faced by disabled refugees.
Along with Lauren, Lora, and Joe, other finalists include Shane Gavin, who travelled to Ukraine to deliver humanitarian aid, and Billy Lord, the 12-year-old Cavan boy who raised over €35,000 for cancer support.
The Irish Red Cross Humanitarian Awards will take place on May 8, 2025, with RTÉ's Sarah McInerney hosting the event
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