On Friday 1 November, over 170 volunteers and guests came together in Dorchester to attend the Volunteer Celebration Evening 2024, hosted by Volunteer Centre Dorset. The evening is an annual event celebrating volunteers from across Dorset, recognising their amazing contribution to local communities.
The Celebration Evening was compered by local poet and author, Laurence Lagrue. Laurence was an entertaining and engaging host, sharing the wonderful contributions and personal achievements of each volunteer who attended the evening. Volunteers were celebrated across four different categories: Young Volunteers, Teams, Volunteers, and the Andy Jacobs award for Mental Health and Wellbeing. Each category’s certificate was presented by one of our special guests: The Lord-Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley; Dorset High Sheriff, Anthony Woodhouse; Joe Langtree from Room to Reward, and Phil Cooper, Volunteer Centre Dorset’s newly appointed Chair of Trustees.
Volunteers from across the whole of Dorset were celebrated, highlighting how diverse volunteering roles can be, and the fantastic work that people are doing in their local communities. Phil Cooper, said: “I am always surprised by the sheer breadth of volunteering, and I love hearing about the variety of roles available to anyone – young and older. We heard about the Freewheelers Blood Bikes volunteers who give their time providing motorcycle transport delivering essential samples and equipment to hospitals. There are volunteer illustrators at the Bank of Dreams Nightmares, helping inspire creative writing in young writers; and Health Champions at local doctor’s surgeries, helping patients find help and social activities within the community. As a society, we literally couldn’t do without volunteers.”
This year’s youngest volunteer to attend was just eight years old! Hali-Rai was nominated by her lifeboat family, after raising a whopping £468 for RNLI by walking every day in the month of May this year. This amazing effort showed just how inclusive volunteering can be – whether fundraising, social action, giving time or skills, or something self-generated like a local litter pick; there really is a role for anyone who would like to get involved.
Marie Waterman, CEO at Volunteer Centre Dorset commented: “We had a wonderful evening celebrating and recognising the amazing contribution volunteers make in Dorset every day. We are lucky to have such a vibrant, caring community in Dorset where people volunteer and give their time to make life better for others. This was our 18th celebration evening, and as always, it’s been humbling and inspiring listening to the fantastic stories of Dorset’s volunteers.”
Volunteering is at the heart of Volunteer Centre Dorset, and being able to thank and recognise the contribution people make every single day of the year is something they are immensely proud of. There are so many activities people can get involved with, no matter age, ability or time available. With over 400 opportunities online, Volunteer Centre Dorset can help people find that special role. For more information about volunteering in Dorset, please visit www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk or call 01305 269214.
