DEADLINE EXTENDED – MIDNIGHT, 5TH AUGUST 2020

We realise the event cannot be held in the same way it was last year with the current COVID19 pandemic we are all living through .

However, we also know how many amazing volunteers are still out there doing amazing things and have done for many years before this pandemic, and will continue for many years after. We want to recognise them and their efforts and outstanding achievements, across all types of volunteering in our community. The awards open to all volunteers who have been volunteering across the last 12 months.

We want to bring all the truly fantastic volunteering together under one roof (or via one live steam!) and then tell the world how great our region’s volunteers are!

The event will take place virtually via live stream, on 8^th October at 6pm and will be able to watch and cheer on the nominees via Facebook and YouTube. There will be 10 awards plus a special Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award. 

We are delighted to be joined once again by Headline Event Partners, Nisa Local’s charity, Making a Difference Locally and East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

You can enter online, via paper entry form or via a video submission. This is something new we have introduced for 2020 and we’d love to see you all talking so proudly about your volunteers, or about your own volunteering.

Nominations are now being accepted and we want to hear from you – who are the special volunteers deserving recognition?

Award categories are:

Connecting Communities Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Nippon Gohsei)

Do you know someone who is a ‘good neighbour’ using their time to help others and prides themselves on connecting their community together? It may be someone who goes out of their way to look after others (not related to them) in the local community, maybe helping with gardening, shopping, picking up prescriptions etc. Someone who brightens up the lives of others with their personality and makes the world a better place for them. Someone who seems to have endless energy and goes about their volunteering with a cheerful disposition, where nothing is too much trouble for them.

Environmental / Conservation Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Transwaste)

This award recognises someone who has done exceptional volunteering in the environmental / conservation field. They may have worked to create, improve or protect green spaces for the benefit of people and nature.  It may be someone who has made a great difference to their local area, possibly by working to improve an open space in the town or countryside. It may be someone who has inspired and encouraged others to get involved and the work has made a difference to the local area and people who live there.

Behind the Scenes Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Umber Creative)

This recognises that volunteer who quietly gets on behind the scenes and does an amazing job. They may be the unsung hero that everyone relies on but may be someone that quietly gets a job done to a very high standard and doesn’t seek any recognition. We all know someone like this and we want to shout about their hard work and efforts.

Trustee Award (Sponsored by Smailes Goldie)

This category recognises an amazing Trustee. Someone who might have had to steer their organisation through a turbulent time. They may have had to overcome challenges or have really inspired those around them to help the organisation to shine. 

Volunteer Team Award (Sponsored by Arco)

This category is open to any team / group which has worked in an exemplary way to achieve its aim. The nature of the volunteering can fall into any of the above categories and recognises the work done by members, working together in an organised and impactful way. If you know of any team which has knocked your socks off, we want to hear about them.

Community Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Nisa Retail)

This category recognises a volunteer who has volunteered in their community. They may be involved with an organisation or may take the initiative themselves to take action. They may be seen as a ‘pillar of their community’,  may be involved in all sorts of ventures, may have inspired others in their community to get involved, been an encouragement and guiding light to others. We’re looking for those who have gone over and above what would be expected to help in their community.

Public Service Volunteer Award (Sponsored by The One Point)

This award recognises individuals who make an outstanding contribution volunteering in the public services. These could include volunteering with Humberside Police, Humberside Fire and Rescue and the NHS etc.  The volunteering can be carried out on the front line or behind the scenes. These people help to make our community a better place.

Sports Volunteer Award (Sponsored by Active Humber)

Volunteers are vital for sports clubs and activities to run and volunteers give their time, enthusiasm and energy to play their part. Volunteering roles range from those seen on the front line such as coaches and leaders to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes carrying out tasks such as administration, refreshments, media work, grass cutting etc.

Young Volunteer Award – Under 25 (Sponsored by Eltherington)

This award recognises a young person (aged under 25) who has shown outstanding dedication and commitment to their volunteering. They might have created their own project, or volunteer for an existing organisation, but you would consider their efforts to be exceptional. They have gone the extra mile using their skills, enthusiasms and energy to contribute to their organisation, community or cause.

Fundraiser Award (Sponsored by IoF Yorkshire & Humber)

This category recognises an amazing Fundraiser. Someone who has gone and above and beyond with their fundraising – they might be full of quirky ideas, or have the power to rally the troops to fundraise for a special cause. They may have had a personal reason to want to fundraise, or maybe they just like to help local charities. 

Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award (Sponsored by MADL – Making A Difference Locally)

There will also be an overall award for ‘Outstanding Volunteer of the Year’ and this will be chosen by the panel from all entries submitted.

Sarah Shepherdson, the charity’s Events and Communications Manager, said: “We find ourselves in very unprecedented and challenging times this year, which understandably means large gatherings and events can’t go ahead. But we’re determined to ensure volunteers continue to be rewarded for their amazing work and we’ve been working hard to adapt our plans and create our first virtual event.

“Volunteers go the extra mile to help others on a regular basis and we’re really excited to make it as special as possible for everyone involved. We received some truly outstanding nominations last year and we can’t wait to see what the 2020 nominations reveal.”

The Volunteer Awards 2020 are once again supported by Nisa Local’s charity, Making a Difference Locally, East Riding of Yorkshire Council and partners who will form the judging panel once nominations close at midnight on July 31^st. 

Nominate your amazing volunteer by clicking here.

Download an entry form here.

Please email all video submissions to awards@heysmilefoundation.org.

Last Years Outstanding Volunteers of the Year Award Winners – John & Margaret Curry.