Inspiring Community Champions: Voluntary Action Leicestershire announces finalists for fourth annual awards

Added by Love Business East Midlands | 30 August 2024

Voluntary Action LeicesterShire (VAL) is excited to announce the finalists for the 2024 VAL Awards. Supported by Hastings Direct as the headline sponsor, these prestigious awards celebrate the exceptional individuals and organisations that make invaluable contributions to our local communities in Leicester and Leicestershire.

The VAL Awards, originally established in 2019, celebrate the incredible contributions made by the voluntary and charity sector across Leicester and Leicestershire. This year’s event promises to be another memorable evening dedicated to acknowledging the tireless work of volunteers and community heroes who selflessly give their time and energy to make a positive impact on the lives of others across our city and county.

The ticketed event will be held on Friday 18 October in The King’s Hall at Leicester’s The Grand Hotel.  The awards are made possible by the generous support of local businesses, which include headline sponsor, Hastings Direct.  Confirmed category sponsors include Gambit Insurance Solutions, PPL PRS, Leicester University Business School, Aspire Pharma and Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-Operative Association. Monies raised allow the event to run without charge to nominees and their guests.

Finalists for each category are as follows:

City Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Gambit Insurance Solutions

Trade Sexual Health
Rachel’s Table
The Olive Trust

County Charity of the Year – Sponsored by Gambit Insurance Solutions

Marlene Reid Centre
PACE
Warning Zone

Social Enterprise of the Year – Sponsored by University of Leicester Business School/Community Business/CASE

The People’s Buddhi CIC
Coalville CAN
Buzzing Roots

Volunteer Led Organisation of the Year

Alice Hawkins Community Projects CIC
Diabetes Self-Help Group
HAB – Anti Bullying & Mental Health

Trustee of the Year

Peter Smith – Cook-E Learning Foundation
Usha Mehta – Jain Samaj Europe
Nigel Swan – Helping Hands
William Richardson – Sue Young Cancer Support
Helen Stone – Goodacres Almshouse Charity

Kathryn Burgess Volunteer of the Year

Lynda Shaw – VAL
Jasu Tailor – Leicester Community Links
Khadeeja Saleh – CKI School of Martial Arts
James Chantry – Various Charities
Kath Allen – VASL

Inspiring Leader of the Year – Sponsored by Belgrave Neighbourhood Co-Operative Housing Association

Suki Kaur – Freeva
Chris Desai – UOCEAN and UEARTH
Rana Rajput – MindAid UK
Zinthiya Ganeshpanchan – Zinthiya Trust
Danny Aldred – Pedestrian

Fundraiser of the Year

Emily Corrigan – Living Without Abuse
Joanna Burrows – Love4Life
Margaret Green – Arthritis Support

Charity & Business Partnership of the Year – Sponsored by PPL PRS

Café No:7 and One Roof Leicester
Leicester, Leicestershire & Rutland MIND and Northwest Leicestershire GP Federation
Heartwize and Druck

Kevin Allen-Khimani, CEO of VAL, commented:

“The calibre of entries for this year’s VAL Awards was outstanding, and we feel the shortlist showcases the dedication and resilience of the charity sector over the past year. These organisations and individuals represent the very best of our community, and we couldn’t be prouder to celebrate their achievements.”

Julie Taylor, Hastings Direct Chief Customer and Operations Officer, said:

“We are proud to be sponsoring and supporting the Voluntary Action LeicesterShire Awards. The awards and ceremony shine a well-deserved spotlight on those who have gone above and beyond in our local community, and we are honoured to play a part in recognising and celebrating these extraordinary individuals and groups in Leicestershire.”

Voluntary Action Leicestershire looks forward to another unforgettable awards ceremony and invites you to join them in celebrating the outstanding individuals and groups that make our community stronger and more vibrant. Tickets are still available, at the time of issue.

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