As part of Volunteers’ Week (1st – 7th June), the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Chester held a special Volunteer Celebration Day on Monday 4th June, presenting Long Service Awards to its volunteers who’ve reached a milestone number of years in service to the organisation.
The trustees, chairman, staff and volunteers all gathered to acknowledge the work of the volunteers, some of whom were instrumental in setting up the hospice almost 30 years ago.
Tea and cake were served and those in attendance were able to meet the team and discuss how the hospice has grown over the years.
Robert Mee, chairman of the board of trustees, presented each of the volunteers with a pin badge and certificate to recognise their loyal service along with a bush rose for those volunteers with over 25 years’ service, thanking them on behalf of everyone at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Over 50 volunteers achieved 5 year milestone awards, with 30 volunteers achieving 10 year awards, 23 volunteers with 15 years, and 17 volunteers with 20 years.
In addition, 20 dedicated supporters received awards for a remarkable 25 years, and over 30 with 30 years of voluntary service to Hospice of the Good Shepherd.
Sue Beckett, volunteer coordinator at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd said: “Our Volunteer Long Service Awards give us the opportunity to recognise the outstanding work done by those who give their time free of charge to be there for the people that need our help.
“The hospice wouldn’t be here without them and I’m privileged to work with them every day.”
Sue added: “Our volunteers contribute over 55,000 hours of hard work which is a staggering amount and they are invaluable to us.
“The length of service shows how, once they volunteer, they love being a vital part of the Hospice.”
Aged from 17 to 96 years, the hospice volunteers provide essential support, with voluntary roles ranging from helping out in the charity’s five shops, to helping on the inpatient unit, providing bereavement support to other practical roles such as: photography, gardening, fundraising, helping at events or being a trustee.
Volunteers’ Week is a national celebration that occurs every year during the first week of June.
Organisations, charities and communities across the UK take part in the celebration of volunteers who offer their time and skills to make a difference, providing an opportunity to recognise and respect their invaluable efforts.
