The amazing efforts of local volunteers have been recognised at a special awards ceremony hosted by Guide Dogs NI.
Guide Dogs’ vision is a society in which people who are blind and partially-sighted enjoy the same freedom of movement as everyone else.
The charity really values the contribution and commitment of all their volunteers, including around 300 in Northern Ireland, in helping to make this vision a reality.
Volunteers carry out a huge range of different roles, from office support to puppy walking, fundraising to sighted guiding.
Volunteer awards are specially organised each year to highlight the fantastic contributions made by these dedicated volunteers. As part of Volunteers’ Week across the UK, Guide Dogs NI hosted an awards ceremony at The Mac in Belfast on Thursday 7 June.
The categories were based around Guide Dogs’ values:
- Inclusive and Embracing: This volunteer is open and fair and values everyone’s contributions. They are a visible and popular part of the community within which they work.
Winner: Des McClelland (Ballymena)
Runners up: Stephen Norris (Belfast); Ian Carnachan (Bangor)
- Trustworthy: This volunteer is always honest and genuine and celebrates Guide Dogs in an open and positive way.
Winner: Liz Russell (Newtownards)
Runners up: Charlie Walker (Holywood); Mandy Kelly and Dan Holden (Newtownards)
- Dedicated to Superior Quality: This volunteer maintains a high standard in their role and others value their expertise. Their work benefits our service users.
Winner: Helen Baird (Belfast) *In absentia
Runners up: Ian and Ann Carnachan (Bangor); Richard and Karen Hambleton (Carrickfergus)
- Customer Focused: This volunteer supports people who are blind or partially sighted to get out and about independently and has gone above and beyond to support someone living with sight loss.
Winner: May Wilson (Newtownabbey)
Runners up: Janet O’Grady (Belfast); Lorna Quinn (Belfast)
- Passionate and Determined: This volunteer is inspirational and inspires other volunteers, is willing to speak out against barriers to mobility and is adaptable to change for the better of Guide Dogs.
Winner: Hillary’s Hikers (various including Bangor and Belfast)
Runners up: Heather Gilmore (Belfast); Mary and Chris McAuley (Castledawson)
- Maximising Impact: This volunteer makes every penny count and is mindful of the generosity of the public and time given by other volunteers. They are committed, reliable and get the job done.
Winner: Enniskillen Fundraising Branch (represented by Louise Thompson, Jean Kennedy, Kathryn Hicks, Jean Murray and Heidi the guide dog)
Runners up: Alan Millar (Bangor); Pete McFarland (Ballyclare)
- Volunteer Newcomer: This volunteer has been volunteering for less than one year. They are creative, energetic and willing to try new things and have made a real difference to the lives of people with sight loss.
Winner: Anne Bill (Newtownabbey)
Runners up: Evi Gyftaki (Carryduff); Les Massey (Craigavon)
- Younger Volunteer of the Year: This volunteer is aged 25 or under and puts people who are blind and partially sighted at the heart of everything they do for Guide Dogs.
Winner: Samantha Church (Magherafelt)
Runners up: Chris Walker (Holywood); Ellie Gibney (Carrickfergus); Sophie McEwan-Lyon (Holywood)
Fiona Brown, Head of Mobility Services at Guide Dogs NI, said, “Our volunteers in Northern Ireland are absolutely crucial to our work. We were delighted to be able to acknowledge their amazing and life-changing support at this year’s local awards.”
To find out more about volunteering for Guide Dogs, visit www.guidedogs.org.uk/volunteer.
