Newlife the Charity for Disabled Children held an award ceremony on Thursday (February 9) – in celebration of the volunteers who have supported Newlife over the years.
Guests enjoyed a three course meal along with a presentation of the charity’s 25th anniversary Impact Report. Newlife has volunteering opportunities at its three retail stores in Cannock, as well as stores in Market Drayton and Uttoxeter in Staffordshire and Heanor in Derbyshire. Roles are flexible and volunteers can offer between two and six hours per session at times which suit them.
National Volunteer Manager, Kevin Lowe, arranged the awards and Sheila Brown OBE, CEO and members of the Trustee board presented awards in two categories.
The 1000 Hours Club was created to celebrate the growing number of volunteers who have racked up some impressive hours by giving their time to support Newlife. And the Special Celebration Award recognises volunteers who have gone above and beyond the call of duty for the charity over the last 12 months.
Richard Fowler, from Cannock, was one of the winners of a 1000 Hours Club award. Richard is a valued and much loved member of the team and has donated over 2,000 hours to Newlife.
Clare Saunders, from Armitage, was presented with the Special Mention Award by Newlife’s, Medical Director, Professor Michael Patton. Claire attends the Newlife Volunteer Centre as a support worker and whilst donating over 900 hours of her time she has enabled many more disabled people to get involved in volunteering. Clare said she had “never thought about herself in that way before, we had an absolutely amazing time,” perfectly summing up why she is so special to Newlife.
Kevin Lowe said: “It was such a wonderful night and we were humbled to be able to show our volunteers just a little of how much they mean to us and what a difference they make to the lives of very special children.”
Volunteering tasks range from repairing jewellery to de-labelling clothing donated by High Street retail donors. By volunteering, people can gain new skills, meet new people and help disabled and terminally ill children get the equipment support they urgently need.
Kevin said: “Whether you’re retired or have a few extra hours a week, volunteering is something we value at Newlife. The sense of knowing that what they are doing will change a child’s life, is something that all our volunteers can be proud of.”
If you are interested in volunteering your time at Newlife Charity contact Kevin Lowe – tel no 01543 439 927 or email klowe@newlifecharity.co.uk.
Newlife has supported 961 families in Staffordshire, with equipment totalling £1,051,195. For more details about how Newlife supports families in the area, go to https://newlifecharity.co.uk/Staffordshire.
Right now, the charity is working with a further 31 families in the county with equipment needs of £16,426. If you think you can help, go to the website and donate. Alternatively, contact the Newlife County Liaison Team on 01543 431 444, email local@newlifecharity.co.uk.
The 1000 Hours Award winners are:
Richard Fowler Fred Howlett Josie Grimley Angela Pearce Peter Evans Jill Austin Valerie Beale Eileen Brindley Jill Evans
The Special Celebration Award winners are:
Lee Norman Elly Hance and Rosemary Skinner Clare Saunders Diane Rochelle,Trish Meacham and Sue Tunnicliffe Sue Robinson
Picture 1(Left to right): Newlife’s Commercial Director Colin Brown, Richard Fowler and National Volunteer Manager at Newlife Kevin Lowe
Picture 2 (Left to right): Clare Saunders and Professor Michael Patton
Web: https://newlifecharity.co.uk
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