Do you know an amazing volunteer?
Thank you for all your nominations. Local heroes who make a real difference in their communities will be recognised at Staffordshire’s annual awards ceremony for top volunteers.
People have been nominating Staffordshire residents who go the extra mile by helping others. They don’t need to be a formal volunteer – just making a difference in their community would qualify them for the awards.
The Volunteer Staffordshire Awards 2012 Gala Celebration evening will take place in March 2012 where the winners will be announced. Everyone who has nominated a volunteer will be entered into a draw to win two free tickets to the celebration evening which will include a five course meal and entertainment in addition to the presentation of the awards.
There may be all sorts of reasons for someone to be nominated. They could:
- Organise, take part in or help to run activities or events
- Offer advice and information
- Lead a community group or be part of a volunteer committee
- Use their skills or knowledge to help others
- Shop or collect the pension of an older resident
- Care for children or support, help or develop young people
- Lobby politicians or local businesses for the good of the community
Last year, the organisers of the awards received over 300 nominations for the eight award categories, but are now looking to honour even more people by asking people across the county to nominate over 700 people in nine categories.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and customers Pat Corfield said: “Our Volunteer Staffordshire Awards recognise the very best of what Staffordshire residents have to offer to their communities and the real difference they make to other people’s lives.
“These people help others continually and rarely get the recognition they deserve.
“Through their volunteering work they really do make Staffordshire a greater place to live and work.
“At last year’s awards we had eight exceptional winners, and one special Judges’ Special Award category winner ; but all of the nominations were worthy of recognition. To have so many is testament to what great people we have in Staffordshire.
“I look forward to seeing even more nominations this year – our volunteers really do deserve to be praised.”
There are nine categories people could be nominated for in the 2012 awards:
- Business Contribution to the Community Award
- Staffordshire Young Volunteer of the Year Award
- Environmental Volunteer of the Year Award
- Sporting/Cultural Volunteer of the Year Award
- Unsung Hero Award
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Volunteer of the Year Award
- Volunteer Team of the Year Award
- Outstanding Leadership Award
Nominations have now closed to nominate your volunteers. So a big thank you to all those who nominated! Look out soon for details of those who have been shortlisted.