Stone is full of local heroes making a real difference to the town – and now you can nominate one of them for Staffordshire’s annual awards ceremony for top volunteers.
The Volunteer Staffordshire Awards 2012 Gala Celebration evening will take place next March 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 eight award categories, but are now looking to honour even more people by asking people across the county to nominate over 900 people in nine categories.
Pat Corfield, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities, culture and customers, 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.”
Nicky Burns, from Volunteer Centres Staffordshire, said: “It’s fantastic that through these awards we can recognise volunteers throughout Staffordshire. Volunteers touch many people’s lives. During last year’s awards we heard numerous stories of how these special people are making the county a better place to live.”
There are nine categories people can 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
You can find out more about the categories and nominate people by visiting the Volunteer Staffordshire website at www.volunteerstaffordshire.org.uk
