People are being urged to follow the lead of a Burntwood woman and nominate local volunteers for a county award.
The Staffordshire Volunteering Awards feature a range of categories which aim to recognise the work of those who give their time for good causes across the region.People fr
Margaret Allen from Burntwood has already nominated her long time friend Veronica Box for the Volunteer of the Year award.
Veronica – known as Ron by her friends – has spent years helping the community of Burntwood and as well as helping with meals on wheels, she has also organised coffee mornings for Macmillan Cancer Support for ten years raising over £20,000.
She was Secretary of Burntwood Memorial Hall and was a key player in the carnivals that raised funds.
Margaret said: “As a member of Hammerwich Cricket Club for 40 years, Ron has helped raise over £60,000 from grants and fund raising for facilities and an extension which provides valuable facilities, that can now accommodate disabled people in the area.
“As if she didn’t have enough to do, Ron is also an active committee member of Burntwood Womens Institute, and runs the weekly keep fit class!
“She has helped a lot of people and I’m delighted to make the nomination.”
Veronica said: “I am really surprised and honoured to be nominated for an award.
“There are lots of less fortunate people out there, if I can help I do, time is all that most people want from a person, and I’ve got lots of it, I love what I do and hopefully always will, however it is lovely being nominated.”
Pat Corfield, Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said: “If you know someone like Ron who is always there to help others, then please take just a couple of minutes to nominate them for a Volunteering Staffordshire Award. It’s the perfect way to thank them and makes the ideal Christmas present.
“Ron has been nominated for the Volunteer of the Year award, but there are another eight categories to choose from, and there’s even a specific award for teams of volunteers. One award is the ‘Unsung Hero’ award which recognises those volunteers who don’t volunteer in a formal capacity but are always near at hand to help.”
To nominate or find out more about the Awards visit www.volunteerstaffordshire.org.uk/awards or call 0300 111 8000. Everyone shortlisted will be invited to the gala dinner and awards ceremony at the Alton Towers Resort in March, where the winners of the nine different categories will be crowned.
