ellenor volunteer recognised with national award

ellenor volunteer, Pat Allen, who lives in Gravesend, has been bestowed with The Badge of the Order of Mercy (from The League of Mercy) in recognition of her years of volunteering for the charity. She was presented with the prestigious award by The Rt Hon the Lord Lingfield, at a ceremony which took place at the Mansion House in London on Monday 4 July.

The League of Mercy was founded in 1899. Today, the League carries on the aims of its original founders to honour the work of volunteers and raise public awareness of their work and to encourage others to join them in giving up their time to the voluntary care of those in need.

Pat has given up her time for ellenor for the past 14 years and today regularly volunteers across three areas of the charity – finance, fundraising and on reception at ellenor Gravesend. She is much respected by the whole team for her hard work and unflappable nature.

Pat travelled to London, accompanied by her son, Michael, and Linda Trew Head of Community at ellenor.

“Pat is always ready to volunteer for us - whatever the request, whatever the weather, whatever the time and wherever the venue,” says Linda. “She is so flexible and willing to do whatever is needed. She is always at the end of the phone if we need her and is willing to take on projects, great and small, and get the very best out of them. I know that we can rely on Pat for help and assistance at any time, as she has the knowledge and experience of many years of fundraising, as well as an overwhelming passion for the work of ellenor.”

The day after her trip to London, Pat was back volunteering in the finance department at ellenor Dartford, busy preparing the floats for the charity’s Summer Fair (on Saturday 9 July).

“We all very much rely on Pat’s reliability and accuracy to process the cash and cheques that come into our office,” says John Fidgett, Head of Finance at ellenor. “This can be quite stressful in the run-up to Christmas and at appeal times, but we can rely on Pat’s calmness and thorough approach.”

ellenor is currently looking for volunteers of all ages and with a variety of skills to help across the whole organisation. Roles are available within fundraising/events, administrative/clerical, retail, driving (minibus or own car), bereavement support and befriending, helping at youth group activities and outings.

If you want to find out more about volunteering at ellenor, please call: 01474 320007 or visit: www.ellenor.org/volunteering-opportunities