Mount Woodlands & Farm Garden

Wales's top volunteers receive deserved recognition

8 June 10

Two environmentalists who take weekly unpaid leave to volunteer and a trustee who has ensured the smooth running of Citizens Advice Bureaux across north Wales are to receive national recognition for their work next week.

A woman who has spent the past 25 years raising money for hospital equipment and running an anti-bullying initiative, and a community group helping local youngsters to feel better about themselves are among the 2010 Wales Volunteers of the Year.

The annual highlight of the volunteering calendar will take place on Thursday 10 June, with the presentation ceremony of the awards run by Wales Council for Voluntary Action (WCVA) and supported by CCLA Investment Management Ltd.

A total of 16 winners in the five nomination categories of individuals, young people (under 25 years), groups, green' volunteers and trustees will be presented with their awards at the ceremony to be held in Cardiff Castle. All nominees will also receive a certificate of high commendation.

'The Wales Volunteer of the Year Award acknowledges the dedication of volunteers who have helped make the biggest difference in the communities in which they live,' said Graham Benfield OBE, Chief Executive of WCVA.

'These are people who are recognised for their initiative, dedication or their personal qualities. They are an inspiration, and the quality of nominations each year shows us just how strong the voluntary sector and volunteering ethos is in Wales.'

CCLA Market Development Manager Mark Davies added: 'Sometimes it can seem like no one does anything for nothing these days. These awards are a powerful reminder that it is simply not true, which is why CCLA is so pleased to support them.'

Wales Volunteer of the Year Awards 2010

Young person category – Nathan Doran, Milford Haven

Nathan receiving his WCVA Award

Once at risk of being excluded from school, volunteering with a local community group has helped teenager Nathan Doran to turn his life around.

The 15-year-old from Milford Haven was selected by his comprehensive school to help out with Mount Community Association, which has hailed him as 'an inspiration to us all'.

Nathan works at the association's community farm garden, which was established to show people on the local housing estate how to grow vegetables and eat more healthily. It also gives young people a feel for farming and horticulture and helps them gain a better understanding of where food comes from and how its gets to their plates.

Although he is required to attend only two days a week, Nathan volunteers every day, peer-leading younger members, feeding and watering all the animals – from chickens to longhorn cattle and pigs – and seeding and planting.

'Through all the hard winter of snow, sleet, wind, rain and freezing cold, he never let us down and turned up every day – even in school holidays,' said Kathy Gray, at the Acorns Resource Centre run by the community association.

'Nathan has shown that with a bit of patience and understanding, people do deserve a second chance, and that they can improve their behaviour and learn how to interact with others.'

'Nathan inspires us all by changing our perception and shows aspiration to the other troubled young people we have who need a helping hand.'

'He never refuses to do any tasks and is always eager to learn. He has really turned his life around and we are very proud of him.'

Full text from the WCVA here

Farm Garden Opening Times

Monday to Friday 0900 to 1500
Saturday 0900 to 1300

Tuesdays are Volunteer Day

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