Volunteer of the Year 2011

£100,000 worth of volunteering…yes really!

Volunteers are the backbone of Thrive. The charity has received 12,000 hours of support from individual volunteers in the last six months alone. Over the same period 17 corporate teams gave 14,000 hours, equating to £100,000 in monetary terms. Amazing isn’t it?
Each year we hold the Volunteer of the Year awards where we celebrate and thank the many people who give their time to Thrive.
This year our individual volunteer of the year is a lady from east London, who already works full time for a charity, but gives so many weekend hours to Thrive Battersea.
Quiet, unassuming and believing what she has done is "nothing special" she wants to remain anonymous.
The person who nominated her said that she "always brings to Thrive a twinkling smile – which comes across even in her emails!
"Come rain or shine she is always ready to commit to four hours selling plants. She has saved the stall from cancellation more times than anyone.
"Her understanding of the aims and vision of Thrive shines through in her entire demeanor."
Corporate volunteer of the year is finance company Unum (pictured above). With offices in Basingstoke, Dorking and Bristol, the firm sent 16 staff members to spend the day helping Thrive in July.
One task – a physical one – moving bricks and rubble to the area of Thrive’s new garden build, was completed with so much enthusiasm and dedication that they left a lasting impression on the staff at Thrive.
Volunteer co-ordinator Jan Panting, said: "The team from Unum knew that by taking such a boring and physical task on it would make such an impact on Thrive staff and clients. As far as they were concerned they would make this job as interesting as possible!
"They brought laughter, strength and commitment to getting a job done!"
Alan Wilmot from Unum said: "This was our third year at Thrive and we all love coming here.
"As well as it being a great team building day for our staff, we know that the time we have spent at Thrive has made a huge impact.
"What’s great is that we have never been asked to do the same thing. We hope to be back again next year"
The awards were presented by Mary Bayliss, Thrive Patron and the lord-Lieutenant of the Royal County of Berkshire.
Mrs Bayliss said: "Volunteers are the backbone of all charities so I believe this event is so important in recognising what they do," she said.

Pictured are Nicci Carruthers, CEO of Thrive with Mrs Bayliss along with Clare Payne and Alan Wilmot from Unum.