2nd July 2015

DORCHESTER: Nominations wanted for volunteer awards

Volunteer Centre Dorset are looking forward to recognising this year’s outstanding volunteers During National Make a Difference Week .

The Volunteering throughout Dorset Awards Evening, will takes place this year on October 29th at the Dorford Centre, Dorchester.

Nominations are now being sought for the evening including categories for young volunteer of the year, under 25; volunteer of the year, group of the year and chairman’s award for employee volunteering.

Deputy Volunteer Centre Manager Craig Womble said: “We are looking for groups and organisations to nominate their volunteer champions, as these are peer led awards.

Many people are doing fantastic work within the community and deserve recognition. The free evening which attracts over 200 guests includes refreshment’s and entertainment as well as the formal presentations We feel it is Dorset’s own version of the Oscars, and is both inspiring and emotional and an important part of our year.

“Every year we have more volunteers attending as well as welcoming old and new organisations. For those attending as special guests it is nice to find out what others are doing, show the width and breadth of the voluntary sector and the many diverse groups out their whose work and passions are equally as important.

“We feel Volunteers are being asked to do more and more and without their help and support, local communities would struggle.”

Mr Womble and the Volunteer Centre, which is based in Acland Road, Dorchester, is also seeking sponsorship from private public and statutory sectors, who appreciate these unsung heroes.

“We are particularly keen to receive nominations in the Young Peoples category and also the Chairman’s award for employee volunteering,” said Craig.

The closing date for all nominations is October 1st.

The centre can be contacted on 01305 269214, or nominations forms can be downloaded from the centre’s website -www.volunteeringdorset.org.uk