Exeter man could be Britain's Best Volunteer
From 700 nominations, John Crawley, a volunteer at St Petrock’s, Exeter’s charity for people who are homeless, has been announced as one of five finalists for the Britain’s Best Volunteers Award.
John first arrived at St Petrock’s eight years ago for assistance while sleeping in an unoccupied building. Keen to move forward, he offered to volunteer in St Petrock’s kitchen and now regular stands in for the kitchen manager in her absence.
John’s commitment to helping others is not limited to his mornings at St Petrock’s; in the afternoon he volunteers at Hospiscare and had been instrumental in forging links between the two charities, co-ordinating an exchange of donations to ensure both charities received appropriate items. In addition, he also gives up his evenings and weekends to help with local fundraising events and has also spent several nights in St Petrock’s helping support staff during Severe Weather Emergency Provision.
Moreover, he gives up his evenings and weekends to help out at local fundraising events and has also spent several nights in St Petrock’s centre to support staff during Severe Weather Emergency Provision.
Now John’s efforts are getting recognition on a national level after Laura McIvor, who describes John as an ‘invaluable support at St Petrock’s’, put him forward for the Britain’s Best Volunteer Award.
After hearing his story and the praise for his ongoing work at St. Petrock’s the awards judges chose John out of over 700 nominations from across the UK.
Upon finding out he had reached the final, John remarked: “I’m chuffed to bits. I love volunteering because it makes you feel good to be a helping hand; getting this far in the competition has really made my day!”
From today the public will be able to vote for the finalist they think most deserves to win the award, through http://www.markeluk.com/britains-best-volunteer/nominate-vote.aspx which will remain open until March 21.
The award, a partnership between Markel UK, the specialist charity insurer, and Small Charities Coalition, the support organisation for small charities, rewards those who volunteer their time to help small, local charities, community groups and not-for-profit organisations.
The winner of the award will receive £1,250 for the charity or charities of their choice and a personal prize of a holiday voucher worth £1,000. Runners up will receive £250 for a charity of their choice and a personal prize of an iPad mini.
Finalists were chosen by award judges Alex Swallow, Chief Executive of Small Charities Coalition, Andy Partington, Director of Markel UK and Michael Scott, Investing in Volunteers Manager, NCVO.
Alex Swallow, Chief Executive of Small Charities Coalition, said: ‘It was amazing to get over 700 nominations for the award and it’s been difficult whittling it down to only five finalists. The award has drawn nominations from small charities all over Britain who feel that their volunteers are ‘Britain’s Best’ and they are right; it’s thanks to the 700 individuals we’ve heard about that the invaluable work of small charities continues today.’
Andy Partington, Director of Markel UK added: ‘The quality of nominations was incredibly high and we had to identify those nominees who have inspired their organisation, fellow volunteers, and the individuals they are helping. Some truly inspirational people were nominated, and we’re extremely excited to see which of our chosen five will take the title of Britain’s Best Volunteer.’
