Hidden Heroes

One of the highlights at our annual Friends and Volunteers’ Garden Party was the opportunity to celebrate and reward four of our long-standing volunteers. Thanks to Room to Reward we were able to show our gratitude by giving Cathy Heath, Lisa Miles, Janet Underwood and Valerie Haynes gifts of a night for two in a hotel!

Lisa, Cathy, Valerie, Ekta (volunteer co-ordinator), Janet and Matthew (CEO).

Steve, the manager of the Rough Sleeping Prevention Service, who nominated Lisa for this reward said: “Lisa has volunteered for about 20 years. She cooks a full English breakfast every week. In fact, she not only cooks and cleans up the breakfast, she completes a deep clean of the kitchen cooker and utensils!”

Cathy was described by Ian, the Community Market Garden manager, as “ a supportive pillar of the Community Market Garden all year round. She always sets aside her Wednesdays for her work at the garden and applies herself completely to the seasonal gardening jobs or textile projects that are needed.”

Janet was nominated by Annette, the manager at the Community Home, who said: “Janet always comes with a cheery smile, she has a real heart for the service users and this shows when working with them. She is a real ambassador for New Hope and the work it does. The service users look forward to her coming on a Tuesday. She is willing to talk to any of the service users with a kind and listening ear.”

Polly, the volunteer manager of the Watford Charity Shop, said this about Valerie: “Valerie works all day on a Tuesday but, if the amount of toys is so vast, she comes in on a Saturday. Valerie takes home all the battery toys, checking that they are in good working condition and she covers the tills when needed. When service users come in with their vouchers, she will help them to find the clothes needed with a great sense of care.”

We are so thankful for Lisa, Cathy, Janet and Valerie and all the other wonderful men and women who give up their time to volunteer at New Hope. THANK YOU ALL!