Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary Awards: Choir who ‘sing with our hearts’ say Cork became a 'safe hub' Ukrainians

People making a difference in their communities in Cork are set to be recognised at the 2025 Cork City Lord Mayor Community and Voluntary Awards, with nominations for the forthcoming edition of the awards closing this coming Friday April 4.

Since 2004, the Lord Mayor Community and Voluntary Awards have recognised over 130 voluntary and community groups across Cork City for their contribution to life in the city.

The winner of the overall award in the 2024 Cork Lord Mayor’s Community and Voluntary Awards was the Kalyna Ukrainian Choir.

Speaking to The Echo, Victoria Tymoshchuk of Kalyna Choir and a facilitator with the Ukrainian community in Cork, described how much winning the award meant to them.

“We didn’t expect to get this award,” she said.

“For the Ukrainian community, it meant a lot. The Kalyna choir promotes Ukranian culture and helps people from Ukraine to integrate and support local communities.

“It was a great recognition of what we are doing.

“Winning this award meant we are seen as a community and we are doing something right, something valuable for local communities as well.”

Ms Tymoshchuk added: “Cork became a safe hub for Ukranians. We felt welcomed and included in the community.

“For our Ukranian community, this award meant a lot because people felt this support for local communities and local authorities.

“We all follow the news and the situation in the world and the situation around Ukraine. This award was a sign for people, a sign of hope, and [to ] never give up.

“Keep on going, and that everything will be fine.”

The Kalnyna Ukrainian Community Choir of Cork was founded in 2022 with the support of Carraig centre (Ballincollig), within the Ukrainian community support project.

The choir now unites up to 50 participants from all parts of Ukraine under temporary protection in Cork.

The Kalyna choir was established to provide emotional and spiritual support for Ukrainians, who received temporary protection in Ireland.

They take part in local events and concerts, while also supporting local initiatives and fundraising events.

The Kalyna choir represented all of what these awards are about. That being about inclusion, participation and very much making Cork their home.

“We are an amateur choir and we sing with our hearts,” Ms Tymoshchuk said.

“There is a saying that you always get what you give.

“So we give our love to the people of Ireland, now we have love from them in return.

“So I think this is the secret of winning this award — to love your neighbours and to love the people of Cork and Ireland.”

Kalyna Choir are a prime example of the contribution made by volunteer groups to the fabric of Cork city, something which Ms Tymoshchuk hopes the choir can continue to do in the months and years ahead.

The categories for the 2025 Cork City Lord Mayor Community and Voluntary Awards are:  

• Arts, Culture, Recreation & Heritage 
• Climate Action, Active Travel & Sustainable Development
• Community Development & Lifelong Learning
• Recreation, Sport, Heath & Wellbeing 
• Social Inclusion, Advocacy & Integration
• Social Services, Charities & Environment

The Echo will be sharing the stories of the nominees and the award winners over the next few weeks and months ahead.

The closing date for nominations is Friday April 4. The winners will then be announced at a Civic Ceremony in Cork City Hall on Wednesday May 7.

Members of the public are invited to nominate community and voluntary groups they would like to see recognised for the good work in which they do.

Applications for the 2025 Cork City Lord Mayor Community and Voluntary Awards can be made online at corkcity.ie/lordmayorawards.