We’re delighted to share some wonderful news with you all! After receiving over 80 nominations and careful consideration by the Marsh Charitable Trust, we are thrilled to announce the 12 outstanding winners of the FoodCycle Regional Volunteer of the Year Award 2024.
This award recognises the exceptional dedication and support our volunteers provide, making a tangible difference in their communities. Each winner will receive a certificate, £300, and a commemorative apron, in recognition of their outstanding service.
A very big thank you to everyone who nominated and participated in this process.
Our amazing winners from each region are:
???? Katherine Kilfedder – East London – ‘She made me feel confident and more social and feel welcomed. She brings a positive attitude every session and each session is very enjoyable and exciting’
???? Jason Ferguson – East Midlands – ‘Jason is a local hero who provides a friendly, familiar and reassuring face to volunteers and guests alike. He is a natural at making guests and volunteers feel comfortable and takes pride in being a FoodCycle Hosting Project Leader’
???? Joe Ward – East of England – ‘Joe is a brilliant ambassador for FoodCycle, encouraging locals to come and eat at our meal. He has even a given a hand-drawn card to another volunteer to thank them for their actions and show his appreciation for them’
???? Chris Sim – North & West London – ‘Chris is the heart and soul of the Finsbury project. He’s our leader. He pushes us forward, using ingredients in innovative ways, exploring different cultures and techniques and sharing his knowledge with our community of volunteers and guests’
???? Joan Graves – North East – ‘As a retired nurse, her care and compassion shine. She treats all as equals, going above and beyond in any way she can, from bringing items we’ve forgotten to order to taking time to chat with anyone in need. Joan’s impact on the project is immeasurable’
???? Erica Thompson – North West – ‘Erica instantly put me at ease, her clear directions, warm personality and amazing approach to her role was like an instant soothing balm putting me instantly at ease. She is a real asset to the organisation’
???? Lucy Pike – South East – ‘Lucy is our most committed volunteer there week in week out to help support our project. She is brilliant with the guests, often being the one to step in with our most vulnerable guests if they are in crisis. Aylesbury FoodCycle wouldn’t be the same without her!’
???? Sam Bellas – South London – ‘Sam signs up for sessions well in advance, ensuring we can stay open every week. As a highly skilled cook, he has crafted some of the tastiest meals I have ever had at any project’
???? Scott Shepherd – South West – ‘Scott travels to further projects when they are in need of cover, many sessions have been able to run due to his commitment and dedication’
???? Daniel Priestly – Wales – ‘Dan always leads the cooking team with a smile. He has a warm presence which makes new volunteers feel comfortable and part of the team straight away! He is approachable and ensures there is always a calm environment for our volunteers and guests’
???? Marie Mardenborough – West Midlands – ‘Attends at short notice to project lead to ensure the sessions operate and are effective. She has achieved over 300 volunteer hours with FoodCycle. An inspirational volunteer’
???? Christina Raeuber – Yorkshire & The Humber – ‘Christina is always welcoming to our volunteers and guests, creating an amazing atmosphere to volunteer in the kitchen! No matter what she has going on in her life, she always does everything she can to put the project first’
Congratulations to all our winners! Your incredible dedication and support to FoodCycle makes a huge impact. Each meal served, each smile shared, and each moment of kindness helps us build stronger, more connected communities.
