A selection of Hammersmith and Fulham’s best volunteers have been rewarded for their altruistic efforts at an annual awards night.
Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre (HFVC) hosted a ceremony at Hammersmith Town Hall on June 6 to celebrate the hard work of volunteers across the borough.
The event saw 50 individuals awarded certificates for giving up their time to help a variety of organisations, which included local charities.
Dominic Pinkney, chief executive at HFVC Group, said: “We believe it is essential to recognise and celebrate the work of the many great volunteers in the borough.
“It is always both humbling and inspiring to hear about the time and effort volunteers give to support local people and organisations.”
Volunteers from a wide range of organisations were honoured, including faith partnership engagement volunteer Azizat Adefesobi, who was celebrated for three years of outreach work and raising awareness of HIV/AIDS and other long-term illnesses within the community.
University student Emilia Misheva was acknowledged for her voluntary work as a domestic violence and sexual violence caseworker at Victim Support and White City Youth Centre volunteer Kevin Nathaniel was singled out for teaching strategy gaming to young people on the estate.
The night also celebrated a musical group of volunteers at the charity E-unique who spent 18 months together, writing songs and producing their own CD.
In addition, a dedicated group of volunteers who contribute to the day-to-day running of HFVC helping ensure other people in the borough find volunteering opportunities were also acknowledged.
Eugenie, a 48-year-old volunteer from Shepherds Bush, said she gets a lot of enjoyment out of volunteering because she is able to help people into some form of work.
She said: “What’s nice is, many of the people I help end up popping back into the volunteering centre here to see me for a chat, and let me know how they’re getting on.
“That feels really good. I find it really stimulating and get a real sense of personal satisfaction helping others, many of whom are in need of a bit of a lift.”
Visit www.hfvc.org.uk or call 020 8741 9876 for more information about the Hammersmith and Fulham Volunteer Centre.
For more information about the various volunteering opportunities in H&F, visit www.lbhf.gov.uk/getasecondlife.
