Big Thank You Event a Hit!

Local charity the Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde held its 5th Annual Big Thank You Event on Saturday the 4th of June 2016 at Viva Blackpool, to coincide with Volunteers Week. One Blackpool is proud to be this year’s main sponsor and wishes every success to the participants.

Each year thousands of people give one of the most precious resources – their time – to volunteer in the local area, supporting individuals, groups, and the environment to help to make Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde a better place to live. The event designed to recognise these achievements was attended by the Mayor of Blackpool Councillor Kath Rowson, Mayor of Wyre Councillor Terry Lees and Deputy Mayor of Fylde Councillor Angela Jacques. The High Sheriff of Lancashire John Barnett was also in attendance to congratulate winners.

Over forty local volunteering organisations turned out for the occasion which was hosted by Alistair Clarke of Social Enterprise Solutions.

The Responsible Business Awards from One Blackpool went to Sandcastle Waterpark, Tesco and Beaverbrooks. There were also six individual volunteer themed awards and three outstanding achievement awards presented on the day. Winners included Young Volunteer of The Year Kay Kelly-Toole, Adult Volunteer of Year Graham Morris and Volunteer Group of the Year the Bridge Project. The Chernobyl Children’s Life Line Blackpool Link Volunteers received a special award for the work they do. Since 2005 Volunteers have brought a total of 100 children from either Belarus or Ukraine to stay with host families in Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde. The children come from areas which were contaminated following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster which is undoubtedly the greatest environmental catastrophe in the history of mankind.  In addition to hosting, the Link has to raise £6000 per year in the local area to pay for the kids to come, and give them a holiday experience they will remember for the rest of their lives.

To learn more about this event, please contact:

Lynn Saggerson, CEO

Volunteer Centre Blackpool, Wyre and Fylde

Office: 01253 301004

lynn.saggerson@blackpoolvolunteers.org.uk

www.volunteercentrebwf.org.uk

Or visit the website: www.blackpoolsbigthankyou.co.uk