Volunteers honoured at awards ceremony
SPECIAL NIGHT: The awards ceremony at the Bonus Arena
By Rick Lyon
Awards have been handed out to volunteers at a special ceremony organised by the HEY Smile Foundation and its partners.
The Time2Voluteer Awards 2022 saw around 120 nominations received, with 54 shortlisted across 11 categories and one overall winner chosen.
Nominees from across Hull, the East Riding, North and North East Lincolnshire joined over 300 guests for the ceremony at the Bonus Arena.
The awards, now in their fourth year, were hosted by Smile in partnership with Nisa Retail’s charity, Making a Difference Locally (MADL), East Riding Council and Hull CVS (Community and Voluntary Services).
Volunteers who dedicate time to a long list of causes including helping people with disabilities, sports clubs, conservation, animal welfare and social care raised a glass of fizz to each other and the difference volunteering makes.
Andy Barber, CEO of HEY Smile Foundation, said: “We had scores of nominations, all of them noteworthy.
“Many nominees have moving stories to tell of how they have made a difference, despite facing their own adversity. Others work gruelling schedules to improve lives or raise money.
“Volunteers make many organisations tick and we want them to know how important they are. We know that volunteering is a two-way street and that volunteering helps volunteers find purpose, fulfilment and skills. But it is important to acknowledge and thank volunteers who give their time freely to help others.
“We congratulate all our nominees and our winners - and we’d like to say ‘keep up the good work!’”
Each of the 11 categories were sponsored and judged by a partner organisation. The ‘Outstanding’ winner was selected from the 11 winning entries by MADL.
BIG WINNER: Graham Drury
Having won the trophy for ‘Behind the Scenes’, 77-year-old Graham Drury, who has volunteered as a driver and maintenance man at Hearing Dogs for the Deaf for a decade, was named the overall winner.
Graham does everything from driving 300 miles a day to building furniture and fixing locks. He dismantles gazebos in all weathers, collects and empties dog poo bags and even dresses as the charity’s mascot.
Graham, who worked as a tanker driver for 40 years, explained his volunteering career began when he offered to drive a minibus and he hasn’t looked back since.
He said: “I get a lot of satisfaction from what I do and it is hard to take any credit because I love every minute.
“I don’t see the impact of my work because I just turn up, drive to places or fix things. I am amazed to win and to know what a difference I make. It is a fantastic feeling.
“I am 77 and I will keep going until I am 99, if I can.”
The awards ceremony also gave organisers a chance to tell the audience about a new service they have launched to improve volunteering.
Time2Volunteer, a collaboration between Smile and Hull CVS, allows volunteers to seek opportunities and training and organisations to advertise volunteer posts and get expert guidance.
To find out more, go to Time2Volunteer
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The full list of winners:
Behind the Scenes Volunteer, sponsored by Umber Creative, won by Graham Drury, of Hearing Dogs for Deaf People
Community Volunteer, sponsored by East Riding Council, won by Joe Dixon, of Howden Rotary Memory Café
Connecting Communities Volunteer, sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemicals UK, won by Withernsea Armed Forces Veterans Breakfast Club admins
Environmental Volunteer, sponsored by Transwaste, won by EMS Limited affordable food project
Volunteer Fundraiser, sponsored by Reckitt, won by Stacey Sheppard, of Sight Support
Older Volunteer, sponsored by KCOM, won by Beryl Kelsey, of Backcare
Public Service Volunteer, sponsored by City Healthcare Partnership (CHCP), won by Steven Sorenson, of Fareshare Hull and the Humber
Sports Volunteer, sponsored by Active Humber, won by Jo Newby, of Barton FC Inclusive (Hull)
Volunteer Team, sponsored by Arco, won by Homestart Hull - Home Visiting Volunteers
Trustee, sponsored by Smailes Goldie, won by Christine Hornshaw, of Platform Provision
Young Volunteer, sponsored by Eltherington, won by Kia Crawford, of Preston Road Women’s Centre.