Success at awards ceremony for volunteers at Dorset disability charity (From Bournemouth Echo)

Success at awards ceremony for volunteers at Dorset disability charity

3:00pm Sunday 8th July 2012 in News

VOLUNTEERS for a Dorset disability charity are celebrating after recognition at a local award ceremony.

The Poole Council for Voluntary Service Awards saw helpers for Diverse Abilities Plus take home second prize in the individual and team categories.

Terry Watts, the second prize winner in the individual category, has been volunteering at Langside School for many years as a gardener and assistant caretaker.

The charity’s fundraising team came second in the team category for making outstanding contributions over the last year, with winners including Liz Bentley, Simon Shave and Carla Saunders.

Liz Bentley works full-time but has devoted her spare time to helping with fundraising, recently completing a 110ft abseil raising nearly £800.

Carla Saunders has raised funds for equipment that Diverse Abilities Plus requires organising a fete, coffee mornings, cake stores and raffles, raising more than £4,000.

Simon Shave has been supported by Diverse Abilities Plus from school age to present day and was keen to give something back.

He volunteered at charity events and is well-known for his speedy wheelchair and selling raffle tickets.

All the winners received a framed certificate and commendation from the Mayor of Poole, Carol Evans.

Ashley Weedon, community fundraiser at Diverse Abilities Plus, said: “It is great that our volunteers received public recognition for the fantastic work they do.

“All of the volunteers for the charity deserve a big thank you for the time and commitment they give to help raise the profile of the charity.”

The deadline for next year’s award nominations will be June 2013.

For more information on Diverse Abilities Plus visit diverseabilitisplus.org.uk or call 01202 718266.