VOLUNTEERS have been put in the limelight.
The seventh edition of the Community ReAwards saw selfless Cheshire residents recognised for their hard work and charitable deeds.
Kim Smith, from Radio Northwich, took home the final prize of the evening – the Hoppy Award for Outstanding Service to the Community, an accolade dedicated to the former High Sheriff of Cheshire, Nick Hopkinson.
"I knew Nick Hopkinson, so to win this award means so much to me,” said Kim.
“He was the most amazing man, an avid fundraiser and champion of charities and volunteers.
“Nick was always helping people and was kindness personified.
“We are lucky to have the Hoppy Award, sponsored by Nick's wife Lesley Hopkinson, as a legacy to him for future volunteers to be recognised.”
Nick, described by his family as a philanthropist and fundraiser, passed away in 2021, aged 61.
The current High Sheriff of Cheshire, Dennis Dunn MBE, paid tribute to him at this year's Community ReAwards.
Held at the Vale Royal Abbey Golf Club on Friday (January 26), the High Sheriff presented each of the winners with their awards.
Among those to be recognised were 1st Davenham Scouts and the group’s leader, Dave Bibby, as well as the Walton Lee Partnership and Dementia Friendly Northwich.
Organiser Samantha Newey said: “Each year we continue to be overwhelmed by the selfless and tireless contribution of individuals and organisations, enhancing our Cheshire community.
“The many acts of giving back personify what Community ReAwards is all about.
“A core value of a volunteer is giving - giving of their time for the benefit of others expecting nothing in return.
“We see this in abundance with volunteers being the fundamental foundations of many local charities and groups.
“Without their time and contributions, lots of organisations would not be as successful or in some cases even survive.”
For more coverage of the Community ReAwards, see the March issue of Cheshire Life, on sale February 16.
2024 Community ReAwards Winners
- Young Volunteer Award 13-16 years - Lewis & Maddison Eaves
- Young Volunteer Award 17-24 years - Tash Phipps
- Youth Group Award - 1st Davenham Scouts
- Charity Group of the Year (under 50 volunteers) - Walton Lee Partnership
- Charity Group of the Year (over 50 volunteers) - Directions for Men
- Impact Award - Dementia Friendly Northwich
- Outstanding Leadership Award - John Thompson of Radio Northwich
- Voluntary Fundraiser of the Year - Peter McCleave
- Lifetime Achievement Award - David Bibby
- The Hoppy Award for Outstanding Service to the Community - Kim Smith of Radio Northwich
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