Volunteer stalwarts honoured for their community efforts...
FIFTY volunteers from Loughborough and Shepshed were given awards for their loyalty and commitment to the community.
As part of a big Volunteers’ Week celebration at John Storer House, long-serving volunteers from the organisation and Shepshed Volunteer Centre had their hard work recognised at a special event.
Certificates presented by MP Nicky Morgan, and hanging baskets, which had been planted by staff with plants grown at the John Storer House allotments, were awarded to those who have volunteered for 10 years or more.
Trustee Jill Vincent opened the event with a heartfelt thank you to volunteers, past and present, for their invaluable work in keeping John Storer House and Shepshed Volunteer Centre vibrant, busy and a pleasure to be involved with.
Mrs Morgan spoke of her pleasure at visiting John Storer House once again and of her admiration for its volunteers before joining around 100 volunteers, staff and trustees for afternoon tea.
Among those who received awards, was Molly
Slatter, a fundraising volunteer of 26 years, and 77-year-old Barbara Barks.
Barbara, of Loughborough, said she was really surprised and pleased to receive the award and felt it was lovely that the volunteers’ years of service had been recognised.
Barbara said she continues to volunteer as she feels she is doing something useful and is helping raise funds for John Storer House.
Volunteering coordinator Joanne Clarke told the Echo: “We’re really proud of all of our volunteers and are absolutely delighted to be able to show each of those who have given 10 years or more service to volunteering, how very much they are appreciated.
“The hard work, good humour, care and time that volunteers give are a very large part of what makes John Storer House and Shepshed Volunteer Centre such special places”.