November 24, 2020
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It’s hard to believe that this time last year many VSI activists gathered with Kevin’s family at his funeral service in Glasnevin Cemetery in Dublin.
Kevin came late to International Volunteering. Near his retirement in 2008 a colleague from DIT recommended VSI to him and within a few months Kevin headed off for his first International Volunteer project in Sri Lanka. During the next 10 years he took part in over 50 International Volunteer Projects in Ireland and in 20 countries worldwide including Thailand, Nepal, Vietnam, Kenya and Tanzania and many European countries.
Kevin also assisted with numerous Irish projects. Over several years he helped to coordinate groups of volunteers on a range of projects including -
- tackling the rhododendron problem at Killarney National Park;
- helping the Camphill Community in Grangebeg Co Kildare to get much needed environmental and landscaping work done;
- Renovation and environmental work at Glebe House Centre in Co. Down, a centre which promotes programmes to bring communities in Northern Ireland to work together
Kevin also served on the board of VSI for two years and took an active part in the life of the organisation. He represented VSI at several European projects and seminars. He was a well trusted and reliable volunteer. Kevin had great time for the many fellow volunteers he encountered over the past 10 years.
VSI had planned to plant trees this year in memory of Kevin. Firstly with the Camphill Community at Grangebeg, Co. Kildare and then with Glebe House in Strangford, Co. Down. The Covid pandemic put those plans on hold. While we wait for an opportune time to plant the trees, let’s remember Kevin Sullivan and his great contribution to VSI.
Tom Ryder, November 2020