With thousands of volunteers making a difference across Oxfordshire, this annual event offers a powerful reminder of the value of community spirit and the impact of selfless service.
An independent panel of judges, together with some OCVA staff, selected those receiving Celebration Awards from all the nominations received.
Below you can find details of the well-deserved Winners and Highly Commended.
Award presented by Mrs Marjorie Glasgow, BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire
“Alexandra has been volunteering for 2.5 years and in that time, she has been dedicated, enthusiastic and always positive, frequently giving up her Saturdays to come and help us out. Myself and all the members of The Story Museum who have worked with Alexandra are extremely proud of her and the amount of progress that she has made. She thoroughly deserves to be recognised for all the support that she has given to our organisation.”
Award presented by Mrs Marjorie Glasgow, BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire
“Jake has been a reliable and committed volunteer and has said he will continue when he graduates. Excellent news and greatly appreciated. Prior to last year’s AGM Jake offered to film the event, held on a Saturday afternoon, interview some of the attendees, produce a video which could be used to promote Oxtalk, attract future volunteers and raise awareness of visual impairment. A ‘marketing tool’ we have never had. Jake’s own initiative.”
Award presented by Maya Patel from Oxford Brookes University
“Erin is providing 1:1 mentoring support to a teenage girl who is impacted by parental imprisonment. She has demonstrated a clear understanding of the impact of parental imprisonment and has been a great ambassador for Children Heard And Seen at Oxford Brookes.”
Award presented by Maya Patel from Oxford Brookes University.
Collected by a representative from Jacari.
“Charlotte has volunteered with Jacari throughout her time as an undergraduate at Oxford Brookes. She has been completely dedicated to Jacari and her pupils and I highly recommend her for this award.”
Award presented by Cllr Mark Lygo, Chair of Oxfordshire County Council
Footprints Baby Loss is a bereavement charity that provides vital support to parents/families who experience the death of one or more of their twins or triplets before, during or after birth. “We are a charity run by bereaved parents, for bereaved parents”.
Award presented by Cllr Mark Lygo, Chair of Oxfordshire County Council
WEMPOWERED CIC is dedicated to empowering mothers and children in Blackbird Leys through three core values connection, well-being and growth. WEMPOWERED aims to tackle local inequalities delivering activities which promote and welcome mothers and children from any cultural background or faith.
Award presented by Cllr Louise Upton, Lord Mayor of Oxford.
Collected by a representative from Oxford Mutual Aid.
“His absolute passion and tireless commitment to Oxford’s most vulnerable people, David is an indispensable asset to us, Oxford’s largest direct food bank. We, the city, and its people are extraordinarily lucky to have him.”
Award presented by Cllr Louise Upton, Lord Mayor of Oxford
“The time and energy Honor has given to the charity has been enormous and we feel that an award for Voice and Influence is totally apt for such a dedicated loyal and generous volunteer as Honor has proven to be.”
Award presented by Cllr Louise Upton, Lord Mayor of Oxford
“John joined the Bucknell Village Hall committee in 1971 and was appointed Treasurer in 1976 — a role he continues to hold to this day. But John has been far more than just the Treasurer; for over five decades, he has been the heart and soul of the committee, driving countless projects that have transformed the Hall into the busy community hub it is today. Throughout his 53 years of service, John has worked tirelessly to secure funding, spearhead fundraising efforts, and successfully apply for numerous grants, all aimed at improving and sustaining the Hall.”
Award presented by Cllr Louise Upton, Lord Mayor of Oxford
“Eveline has been a member of Carterton WI for 60 years. For years she helped with the Thursday coffee shop, she still makes cakes for the coffee shop and will be making cakes for our cake stall at the May Day Fair. As our hall is 100 years old, we have archives, which Eveline has looked after and added to for many years. She has been a diligent member and secretary on our Hall Committee. Eveline is a big force behind the improvements that are now happening at the hall to make it fit for future use.”
Award presented by Mrs Marjorie Glasgow, BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire
“Kaddy partakes in our befriending/ mentoring scheme – we match children with a volunteer “Big Sibling”; our volunteer tutoring scheme and has also been heavily involved in our week-long summer residentials. Kaddy throws herself in completely, is incredible with each of the children, and consistently goes above and beyond and is an amazing volunteer to have involved!”
Award presented by Mrs Marjorie Glasgow, BEM, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Oxfordshire
“Simon has set an example that we would all be proud to emulate. He has actively listened through more than thirty 1:1 mentoring sessions, managed our ‘Community Days’, organised abandofbrothers maintenance and upkeep of the respite garden at the Churchill Hospital, and kept our spirits high with infectious humour. While all this effort and commitment deserves our recognition, what Simon does best, is to model what selfless commitment to your community looks like – Oxfordshire could not ask for a better role model for young men.”
Special thanks go to those who presented the Awards as well as Oxford Brookes University and Room2Reward for their generous support. The buffet was prepared by Oxfordshire social enterprise Waste2Taste.
If you are interested in volunteering in Oxfordshire head to Oxon Volunteers for the latest roles available.