New awards ceremony for borough’s dedicated volunteers

Winners presented with certificates at Enfield Council's new Lifetime Achievement and Special Recognition Volunteering Awards — *Winners presented with certificates at Enfield Council’s new Lifetime Achievement and Special Recognition Volunteering Awards*

An awards ceremony at Enfield Civic Centre celebrated the lifetime work and special achievements of 31 borough volunteers.

It is estimated that around 100,000 people in Enfield volunteer on a regular basis – from litter-picking and maintenance of parks to helping in local libraries.

The new, annual ‘Lifetime Achievement and Special Recognition Volunteering Awards’ was launched by Enfield Council in December to recognise the exceptional contributions to volunteering and reward those people who go “above and beyond” expectations.

Nneka Keazor, cabinet member for community safety and cohesion, met the volunteers last Friday, 25th February and awarded them with certificates and medals as a thanks for their efforts.

Cllr Keazor said: “This inaugural event celebrates the enormous effort, initiative and commitment volunteers have shown and recognises those who selflessly dedicate their time and abilities to helping others. It also raises the profile of the borough’s volunteers who have made a massive contribution to people’s welfare and wellbeing.”

There were two categories; the lifetime achievement award, in recognition of an individual’s long-term commitment to volunteering, to celebrate the effort and dedication they have shown over a number of years; and the special recognition award for individual volunteers who have given exceptional service to others, particularly over the past year. The winners were chosen from nominations made by residents, voluntary organisations and community groups.

Cllr Keazor added: “During the Covid-19 pandemic, volunteers in Enfield demonstrated an exceptional display of solidarity to assist vulnerable groups and to support the council in providing essential services. We don’t see this enthusiasm waning and, as the cost of living increases, we know Enfield’s volunteers will play an increasingly more vital role.”

Enfield Voluntary Action works closely with the council to help people and community groups access the knowledge, skills and resources to make a real impact in the borough. You can find out more by attending one of their free workshops. Sign up at: enfieldva.org.uk/volunteering-in-enfield.

Award winners

Special Recognition Volunteer Award:
Arthur Elms
Carole Todd
Celeste Gomez Romero
Rev. Toye Ogungbe
Christevie Ngoma

Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award:
Carol Beckwith
Ron Beckwith
Valerie Collins
Dennis Lushey
Eileen Baxter
John Baxter
Susan Reeder
Indira Thakrar
Hasvina Shah
Madhu Ahir
Urmila Karia
Asha Dave
Tarla Karia
Priti Shah
Gita Merchant
Rashmi Thakrar
Raksha Jethwa
Radha Patel
Rupa Ashra
Jyoti Joshi
Ila Naik
Minaxi Pandya
Pushpa Rayvadera
David Scarff
Ngunga Barthe Ngoma
Esther McLaughlin

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