Awards recognise ‘above and beyond’ volunteers
VOLUNTEERS who have gone above and beyond for their community have been rewarded at a prizegiving ceremony.
The Gosport Volunteer Awards ceremony – an event organised by the local charity, Gosport Voluntary Action (GVA) was recently held at the AlverbankHotelinAlverstoke.
Around 120 people attended the event, to honour and celebrate the achievements of local volunteers who give their time and skills on a regular, long-term basis, to help improve the lives of people in Gosport.
More than 110 volunteers, representing24organisations, attended the event to receive their awards for one, five, ten or20yearsofvoluntaryservice.
As the first Gosport Volunteer Awards ceremony in two years,duetotheimpactsofthe Covid-19 pandemic, the event was enjoyed by all attendees.
Kath Preece, information assistant volunteer for the local charity, Age Concern Gosport,receivedanawardforher five years of voluntary service.
A handful of lifetime achievement awards were given to Sue Archer and Neil Archer from the 2nd Gosport Scouts in Rowner, Malcolm Dent, Carol Dent and Lesley Mason of The Gosportarians, and to Colin Davey of the Rotary Club of Gosport.
Kay Hallsworth, chief executive officer at the GVA, said: ‘What a fantastic evening celebrating the invaluable contributions of Gosport’s local community. Without volunteers, a huge number of organisations would cease to be, and the most vulnerable in our society would lose a valuable lifeline.
‘In times when everyone is struggling financially, it is important that we find ways to recognise and reward people for what they do.’