PDSA Volunteer Awards 2009
PDSA Volunteers from across the UK are celebrating after being named in the National Volunteer awards 2009. Known as PDSA’s very own ‘Oscars’, the awards have been given to some of the most outstanding and committed volunteers.
Volunteer of the Year
Winner - Janet Burns
Animal lover Janet volunteers at the PetAid hospital in Tollcross, East Glasgow, for two-and-a-half days every week, and has given the equivalent of six years’ full-time unpaid service since joining PDSA in 1998. Commenting on her award, Janet said: “I was really surprised when I found out that I had won and couldn’t wait to tell my family and friends. I love volunteering at East Glasgow PDSA PetAid hospital; it’s really changed my life since I started over a decade ago. I’ve made lots of friends, and nothing beats seeing a very sick pet that has made a full recovery going home with its owner.”
Highly Commended - Cindy Jermon
Cindy Jermon from Boscombe in Bournemouth is celebrating after being highly commended for her outstanding commitment and dedication to the leading veterinary charity over the past 16 years. Animal lover, Cindy started fundraising after her cat had a serious accident, injuring her eye - PDSA cared for the pet; saving its life. Since that day Cindy made up her mind to give something back to the charity, so started collecting outside supermarkets and organised tombolas to raise funds.
Young Volunteer of the Year
Winner - Ami Hackwood
Animal lover Ami, age 22, started volunteering at Weston-Super-Mare PDSA shop when she was at college. Initially to gain work experience, Amy enjoyed her time at PDSA so much that she decided to stay. She now gives over 35 hours of her time each week, as well as working part time at a local supermarket. She won praise for her 100 per cent commitment to her role as a key volunteer and is said to always go above and beyond the call of duty.
Highly Commended - Moira Quinn
Moira is extremely dedicated to helping the charity raise funds. She is involved with all aspects of the shop, from preparing clothes to be put on the rails to serving customers behind the counter. In addition to her shop role, Moira often goes above and beyond the call of duty by organising tombolas and has taken part in a 15 mile sponsored walk to raise funds for her favourite charity.
Key Volunteer of the Year
Winner - Katy Mowat
Katy was in Africa when she received a text telling her that she had been named PDSA’s Key Volunteer of the Year, after beating off competition from over 300 other key volunteers around the UK. “It was amazing finding out that I had won. I felt a tremendous sense of pride, not just for me but for the rest of the team at Edinburgh shop, as everyone does a fantastic job in raising funds for PDSA,” said Katy.
Highly Commended - Joyce Brotherton
Animal lover, Joyce who turns eighty next January, wanted to challenge herself to do something different, so she started helping at the Leeds PDSA shop to stay active and meet new friends. Joyce volunteers six days a week, without fail. Over Christmas, when the shop opens on Sunday, Joyce can even be found helping out seven days a week!
Fundraising Volunteer Team of the Year
Winner - Wrexham
Wrexham PDSA Fundraising Group won praise for organising a wide range of activities, appealing to local people in and around Wrexham. Including animal blessings and Christmas fairs, as well as ladies’ pamper evenings, coffee mornings and table top sales. The group’s annual fun dog show always proves extremely popular, raising over £500 this year.
Highly Commended – Bridlington
Members of the Bridlington Fundraising Group are celebrating after being highly commended in the prestigious awards, for their outstanding commitment over the past 25 years. In total the group have raised an incredible £55,000 for PDSA, which includes tirelessly hand sewing cushions and tea towels to sell at local markets.
Retail Volunteer Team of the Year
Winner - Peterlee PDSA Shop team
Since the shop opened in 2002, the number of dedicated volunteers has grown to 15. With a mixture of ages and personalities, the close-knit team works tirelessly to raise much needed funds for sick and injured pets. Many of the volunteers have been with the shop since the beginning. The group have won praise for regularly going above and beyond the call of duty – volunteering extra shifts and helping out at nearby stores.
Highly Commended – Edinburgh PDSA Shop team
The hardworking team of 14 volunteers have been highly commended in the Retail Volunteer Team category. Edinburgh PDSA shop manager, Barbara Buckley who nominated her team for the award said: “There is a real mix of people, from those enjoying retirement to school children looking for work experience. They all have one thing in common – a desire to support PDSA in its mission to care for sick and injured pets. I’m very proud of the team and I’m delighted they have been recognised for their commitment.”
Outstanding Achievement Award
Friends of Ilford Cemetery
The Ilford group have won the prestigious ‘Outstanding Achievement Award’ after winning praise from the judges for their dedication and commitment to the charity. The group help out at PDSA’s historic animal cemetery, tirelessly weeding and keeping the gardens looking pristine. Several volunteers also give guided tours to interested tourists wanting to learn more about the charity’s history.
