ellenor volunteers receive prestigious award

ellenor is celebrating after our volunteers were named 'Best Group' at the Gravesham Community Awards 2015. 

On Tuesday 19 May, 2014/15 Mayor Cllr John Caller presented glass trophies to people who live or work in Gravesham and have made an outstanding contribution to the community.

Our 600 volunteers are all ages and work in a range of roles including fundraising, administrative and clerical work, assistants at our 16 charity shops, befriending, driving, bereavement support and helping at youth group activities and outings. 

ellenor volunteers were selected as joint category winners, alongside local Lions Clubs volunteers who also do great work in the community.  

Chief executive Claire Cardy said: "It is a wonderful feeling to see our volunteers officially recognised for their hard work, commitment and dedication to ellenor. Each and every one of them plays an integral part in the running of our charity, no matter what role they play – without them we could not achieve what we do, helping so many families to make the most of the time they have together. 

"The contribution from our volunteers who give their time allows us to maximise the funds donated from the community to invest on care. I feel very proud to have them on our team, and equally they should all feel extremely proud of this much-deserved accolade.” 

Three representatives - trustee and volunteer chaplain Valerie Elms, Janet Callaby and Josh Bull, received the trophy at The Woodville on behalf of their volunteer colleagues.

Janet Callaby from Higham has been giving her time for 27 years and teenager Josh began volunteering after we cared for him through cancer.

Josh from Swancombe said: "ellenor was fantastic to my family when I had cancer in my early teens. My immune system was weakened by chemotherapy so it was very important that I was able to receive care at home. I really enjoy volunteering two days a week at an ellenor shop in Swanscombe. I’ve made new friends and it’s given me great work experience.” 

If you would like to find out more about volunteering for ellenor, please call 01474320 007 or email hr@ellenor.org.