Marble Arch London BID welcomed businesses, schools, charities, and local councillors to the Victory Services Club’s glamourous ballroom Carisbrooke Hall for its first-ever employee volunteering awards.
Guests attended Moments That Matter to celebrate the seven winners who were crowned amongst a strong field of 17 finalists from across 190 BID member companies, all of which had been nominated by colleagues for their extraordinary contributions to the local area.
The event also allowed attendees to reflect on another successful year which has seen demand for local volunteering opportunities rise for the fifth successive year, with the BID facilitating 377 volunteers from across its membership to support 20 local causes from schools to older people’s centres, disability charities and community hubs.
The winners were selected by a community panel which included representatives from Feathers Marylebone, Penfold Age Well Centre, and Learning Disability Network London.
The awards were presented by BID Chairman and Chief Executive of the Victory Services Club, Colin Francis CBE, which also included a showstopping performance from students at one of the BID‘s member organisations, the renowned Sylvia Young Theatre School.
Meanwhile the catering was provided by LDN Eats, a supported employment programme who have partnered with the BID to offer opportunities for its business members to support and/or employ recently trained local disabled people starting out on careers in the catering and hospitality sectors.
Kay Buxton, Chief Executive, Marble Arch London BID, comments: “Moments That Matter recognises the huge impact that volunteering has on building stronger, more connected communities. The event showcased the commitment, innovation and energy of our BID members in this space.
“We would like to congratulate all the winners and nominees and thank everyone who helped make the day so special. It was a powerful reminder of the strong connections being built across our connected and thriving community.”
The inaugural winners of the awards were:
Environmental Champion
This award recognised the individuals making a meaningful contribution to protecting and improving our local environment.
WINNER – Dilpreet Gill, Hilton London Metropole
Skills and Insights
This award recognised those who share their experience, knowledge and lived experience to help others grow, succeed and feel supported.
WINNER – James Tarrant, Barclays
Leading With Kindness
This award honours those who place kindness, inclusion and compassion at the centre of everything they do.
JOINT WINNERS – Cristiane Martini, Tate & Lyle and Tamera Elmeged, Berkeley Group
Trailblazer
This award recognised the pioneering work, fresh ideas and individuals driving meaningful change across their company for the good of the community.
WINNER – Allison Winegarden, Hilton London Metropole
Volunteer Spirit
This award celebrated the individual whose generosity, dedication and willingness to give their time have made a lasting impression within our community.
WINNER – Georgiana Marius, Marriott Marble Arch
Judges’ Choice
This award was selected from among the outstanding nominees who were not successful in the main award categories by the Community Panel as deserving of special recognition.
WINNER – Winston Robinson, Hammerson