Local MP Mary Macleod organised The Hounslow Volunteering Awards last night to honour outstanding community service in the London Borough of Hounslow. Working alongside the Volunteer Centre Hounslow, Mary mobilised local businesses that exemplified their commitment to the community through their support of these invaluable residents. Volunteers, carers, mentors, businesses and charities were all recognised for their work to help people out of poverty, turn lives around, and encourage aspiration and volunteering.

Mary commented,

”There are many volunteers in Hounslow who deserve recognition for their tireless work and dedication to the local community. Over the last two years, as I have met many unsung heroes in this Borough, I have been increasingly convinced of the need to recognise the contribution of these selfless individuals and groups. The Hounslow Volunteering Awards 2012 aimed to publicly commend the volunteers who have accomplished so much and made a difference in the local community. I know that I was inspired by the stories of the nominees and I hope that everyone will ask themselves how they can get involved in volunteering”.

“I have been very impressed by the commitment to volunteering that many of the local businesses demonstrated through their sponsorship of the Volunteering Awards. Our main sponsor Foxtons, co-sponsor BSkyB, and many others generously provided the support we needed so that the nominees could be properly recognised. I have been thrilled to learn that during the ceremony, many sponsors directly offered their support to several of the nominees. I hope that this event is the first of many and will inspire people to take up a rewarding volunteering opportunity”.

Photo:

Mary Macleod MP with host Lorna Dunkley (Sky News presenter,) representatives from Hounslow Multicultural Centre (winner of BSkyB Charity of the Year Award) and Corrina Henderson (BSkyB)