The Andover foodbank volunteers have just been awarded The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. Jamie Symington, Chair, says: ‘I am delighted that the Andover Foodbank has been recognised through this prestigious award. The foodbank has performed valuable service supporting local people facing crisis. Recent and current events have been particularly difficult. But our staff, volunteers and supporters have risen to the challenge with their tireless work and generosity. The QAVS is a fitting tribute.’
The Andover foodbank is one of 244 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways in which fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee. Recipients are announced each year on 2nd June, the anniversary of The Queen’s Coronation. Award winners this year are wonderfully diverse. They include volunteer groups from across the UK, including: a rural support group for farmers in Shropshire; a community magazine addressing isolation in the Western Isles; a running club engaging all ages in County Tyrone; and, a film academy and community hub based in South Wales.
Representatives of the Andover foodbank will receive the crystal award and certificate from Nigel Atkinson, Lord-Lieutenant of Hampshire later this summer.
