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Islington Volunteer of the Year Awards 2023

03/11/2023

PRESS RELEASE

Islington Volunteer of the Year Awards 2023

Hosted by Voluntary Action Islington (VAI)
Wednesday 1 November 2023

This year, we are very pleased to announce two winners of the Islington Volunteer of the Year 2023:

Zoe Coventry, Middle Eastern Women and Society Organisation (MEWSO) | Little Village | The People’s Army | MerryGoRound

Zoe is a volunteer for 4 different organisations who have all nominated her for Volunteer of the year, which speaks volumes about what a phenomenal person she is. Zoe has consistently gone above and beyond in her efforts to support and uplift the community, and her commitment is nothing short of remarkable.
What sets Zoe apart is not just her tireless work ethic, but also her compassionate and empathetic nature. From diligently delivering essential items to MEWSO clients, to arriving at the Little Village centre each week with a car full of donations, she approaches every task with a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact, and her kindness shines through in all her interactions with clients and team members. No job is too big or too small; she is always the first volunteer to offer to help and is always willing to step in when needed.

Lawrence Curtis, Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies (HMHB)

Lawrence has been nominated for Volunteer of the Year by no less than 18 people. There is a common theme that runs through these nominations and that is the difference he has made to the lives of Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies members. Members say that Lawrence exudes amazing energy, which is at the heart of the remarkable community he has created, and has a supportive attitude, smile, and a joke behind everything he does.
Through weekly walks, activities, exercise classes and trips he has created a space where people can re-energise, grow, share, create meaningful links and feel good. As well as the in-person activities, Lawrence creates a monthly 40-page health pack for members.
HMHB is Lawrence’s project, but he does not get salary funding, even though he deserves it. He works tirelessly to make sure everyone is looked after and has made a lot of people in Islington happier and healthier!
Navinder Kaur, Chief Executive Officer, Voluntary Action Islington, said:
“We are immensely proud of Lawrence and Zoe. Through their endless energy and infinite kindness, they touch the hearts of some many people of Islington. They are two truly amazing heroes!

The Volunteer of the Year Awards were sponsored by Double Tree by Hilton London Angel Kings Cross, our Official Sponsor.

• The awards were presented by: HW The Mayor of Islington, Cllr Gary Heather and
• Kat Moore, Sales Executive, Double Tree by Hilton Angel Kings Cross, Official Sponsor

The full list of winners is:

Winner

 

Category

 

Organisation volunteered for

 

Jill Ellenby and Ben Griffith Older Volunteer of the Year 60+ Highbury Vale Blackstock Trust
Union Chapel Asylum Seekers Project Volunteering Team of the Year Union Chapel
Maryam Amla Young Volunteer of the Year MEWSo
Anne-Marie Ellis Pat Haynes Memorial Trustee of the Year Cripplegate Foundation
Zoe Coventry Volunteer of the Year 26-60 Year Old’s MEWSo
Little Village
The People’s Army
MerryGoRound
Lawrence Curtis Volunteer of the Year 26-60 Year Old’s Healthy Minds Healthy Bodies

 

Further information about the winners and commended can be found here.

Notes to editors:

1.Voluntary Action Islington supports social action locally. It is the membership organisation for voluntary organisations in Islington is accredited Volunteer Centre for the borough.

Contact:
Marta Aparicio, Volunteer Services Manager, Voluntary Action Islington
marta.aparicio@vai.org.uk : 020 7832 5801

 

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