An annual awards celebration for volunteers in the Royal Windsor and Maidenhead Borough is being given the Mayoral seal of approval for the first time this year.
Windsor and Maidenhead Mayor Cllr Catherine Bursnall has demonstrated her commitment to recognising the work of local volunteers by including a specific Mayoral award in this year’s line-up of categories.
The new Mayor’s Special Recognition Award will go to the young volunteer under the age of 25 who is deemed to have overcome adversity (such as a learning disability, physical disability, homelessness or perhaps unemployment).
He or she will line up alongside other volunteers of all ages who will be recognised in this year’s Volunteers of the year Awards 2010 organised by Windsor and Maidenhead Voluntary Action in partnership with the Royal Borough and Radian (Windsor Housing).
Nominations for this year’s Windsor and Maidenhead awards are being invited particularly from sports groups, campaigning organisations, environmental groups, residents’ organisations, teams of people and even good neighbours – from all walks of life and all age groups.
Cllr Bursnall said this week: "I am absolutely delighted to have my name associated with this new award and to help to raise the profile of volunteering in the Royal Borough.
"There are so many unsung heroes and heroines among the ranks of volunteers, many of whom do not necessarily see themselves as volunteers. They are just working selflessly to help others – and these awards are a wondeful way of saying thank you to every one of them.
"My new Mayoral award is designed to recognise the young person who has overcome challenges or barriers to achieve a goal – and I am very excited at the prospect of giving that one young person some very well-deserved public recognition.
"So come on everyone – this is your chance to say thank you to someone who has helped you so please do send in your nominations as soon as possible."
Fiona Winrow, manager of Windsor and Maidenhead Voluntary Action, said: "We are delighted that the Mayor has chosen not just to be part of the judging panel for our annual awards ceremony but to put her name to this new award particularly for young volunteers.
"Every year we see young people overcoming difficulties in their lives through volunteering so this award will be a very special addition to the occasion."
The closing date for Windsor and Maidenhead nominations is Wednesday 8 September. Nomination forms are available by email from info@wmva.org contact WMVA by phone on 01753 622433 for further information.
The Volunteers of the Year awards evening will be held on Thursday 7 October at Eton College Rowing Centre, Dorney Lake.
The Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead
