GVS volunteers receive long-service awards
AWARDS for long service were presented to members of the Guernsey Voluntary Service by Deputy Bailiff Jessica Roland at a special ceremony held at Government House.
Ms Roland stepped in after the charity’s patron, the Lt-Governor’s wife Louise Cripwell, was unable to attend.
Many of the awards were bronze and silver, for 10 and 15 years of service, respectively.
Gold awards were presented to Sandy Wilson for 20 years, and Roberta Rivett-Carnac and Claire Winter received special awards for 30 years of service.
The awards covered a range of activities connected to the service, such as helping at the Jubilee and Russels social clubs, transporting clients, helping with flag days and fundraising, blood donor calling, assisted bathing and involvement in the Meals on Wheels scheme.
GVS manager Mandy Le Bachelet said having the ceremony at Government House meant a lot to the volunteers and made it a special evening for the recipients. Everything always ran smoothly thanks to the efficiency and organisation of the staff and others involved.
‘Without the dedication from our volunteers, so many of our clients who receive Meals On Wheels and or attend our social clubs would not be able to remain in their own homes,’ she said.
This year the Meals on Wheels volunteers will have delivered some 27,000 meals.
‘Our volunteers do not just deliver a meal but they also make sure every client is OK and if they have any concerns they will report back to the team at Jubilee House.’
GVS has more than 500 active members and needs at least 40 volunteers every day to help with its various services.
The charity is always looking for volunteers, she said, even if just for three hours a month delivering meals or one to three hours a week at the social clubs, including driving.
n Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more at gvs.org.gg, email admin@gvs.org.gg or call 247518.
