This year’s awards ceremony took place on 17th June at the historic Headington Hill Hall, where we honoured 12 outstanding volunteers in an event that was emotional yet uplifting.
An independent panel of judges, together with OCVA staff, had reviewed the many nominations to choose the winners. It was a very difficult choice!
With thousands of volunteers supporting causes and communities across Oxfordshire, the awards serve as a powerful reminder of the difference that volunteering makes every day as people quietly and generously give their time, skills and energy to support others.
Winner: Ayla Bosher (Alexandra House of Joy)
“Ayla is a remarkable 13-year-old girl, her enthusiasm and creativity shine in her fundraising efforts; she sells her toys and bakes, and crafts sweet gifts. She helps at events, organises hampers for raffles and bingo prizes, and ran a 5km race to fundraise. Ayla hosted a birthday fundraiser, foregoing presents in favour of donations to Alexandra House of Joy. Her compassion for those less able than herself is inspiring. Her spirit of generosity is a shining example for young people everywhere.”
Highly Commended: Izack Pope (Hanborough and District Day Centre – The Elderberries)
“Izack volunteers at Elderberries, helping every week since aged 16. He is always ready to help in any way whether it’s putting up decorations, clearing tables or just sitting with our members chatting. He is a very kind, caring young man, and our members love to see him. He is always on time, works hard and uses his initiative. Izack’s patience and kindness make him a vital part of Elderberries, and he is very special to all of us.”
The Awards were presented by Deputy Lieutenant Robert Buckeldee, Chair of OCVA Trustees.
Winner: Lizzie Bowerman (Be Free Young Carers)
“Lizzie has gone above and beyond every step of the way volunteering to support young carers aged 8-17 years old. Lizzie has supported a young carer to ensure services are talking and working around the family and has safeguarded the young person tremendously. Lizzie is kind, thoughtful and has a very mature head for a young person. She is quite an amazing person who has built relationships to support young carers and helped them access our services.”
Highly Commended: Soniya Porthukaran (OX50 Plus)
“Soniya volunteers for Oxford 50 Plus network with the Digital Skills Workshops. Soniya produced three A4 infographic mini guides to support older people to access digital skills, demonstrating Soniya’s awareness of senior students’ needs. Soniya attended workshop sessions as lead trainer, bringing with her copies for the attendees, which they took away, to use as learning aids and prompts at home. So much appreciated by the senior students and an example of Soniya’s awareness of the needs of older people.”
The Awards were presented by Helen Laville, Vice Chancellor of Oxford Brookes University.
Winner: Sunrise Multicultural Project
For over 30 years, Sunrise Multicultural Project has supported ethnic minority and BAME families across Oxfordshire. Volunteers are valued members of the team, trusted to contribute meaningfully and build genuine relationships with beneficiaries. Volunteers are guided, encouraged, and given opportunities to grow in confidence and skills. The organisation fosters a culture of appreciation, ensuring volunteers feel recognised, motivated, and part of something bigger.
Their approach to inclusion, empowerment, and relationship-building offers meaningful and sustainable volunteer programmes.
Highly Commended: Wallingford Accessible Boat Club
Wallingford Accessible Boat Club (WABC) is a volunteer-run charity. They invest heavily in volunteers because they are the heart of everything they do. WABC fund all training, provide full DBS checks, and equip each volunteer with club uniform. They cultivate a welcoming, social environment where simple touches like refreshments, regular communication via WhatsApp, a pre-season workshop, and an end-of-season celebration helps build a strong, supportive team culture. WABC volunteers don’t just support the service – they are the service.
The Awards were presented by Cllr Roz Smith, Vice Chair of Oxfordshire County Council.
Winner: Ashad Ali (Leys Cricket Club)
“Coach Ashad is a powerful voice for inclusion and opportunity in cricket and a passionate advocate for underrepresented communities. He has highlighted the lack of opportunities for state school children and those from underprivileged backgrounds, by founding Leys Cricket Club. Coach Ashad has inspired other players, families, and the wider community. His openness and resilience have helped normalise conversations around wellbeing, showing that cricket can be a space not just for performance, but for support, belonging, and personal growth.”
Highly Commended: Mike Alexander (Volunteer Link Up)
“Mike Alexander is a key part of VLU, he has been our Treasurer and Secretary for approximately 6 years. As well as volunteering for VLU Mike has used his skills to volunteer for Church Youth Organisations, Rotary Club, West Oxfordshire Community Transport and Witney Carnival. As a retired Chartered Accountant, Mike saves VLU and other charities thousands of pounds a year, using his knowledge and skills to produce high quality annual accounts, as well as overseeing other regular financial transactions.”
The Awards were presented by Cllr Roz Smith, Vice Chair of Oxfordshire County Council.
Winner: Philip Tree (North Banbury Scout Group)
“Philip Tree has been volunteering for Scouts for 52 years. He is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all to thrive. He is always on hand to help and support any section to ensure the young people learn and grow. He works tirelessly to recruit new leaders and support leaders with training. He organises yearly outings for the whole group. He is someone who people look up to and appreciate. He is like a great oak: dependable and trustworthy.”
Highly Commended: Marc Parfitt (UrHome.Church and more)
“Marc has given 26 years of voluntary service to people facing life’s greatest challenges. Marc has volunteered with Break‑Through, walking the streets of Oxford, providing hot drinks, offering dignity, reliability and genuine human connection, with Marston Furniture Store, a local food bank, mentoring formerly homeless men and at the Snug Community Café. Marc notices those who are struggling and responds with compassion, humility and commitment. Marc exemplifies long‑term, selfless volunteering, transforming lives, strengthening communities and inspiring others to serve.”
The Awards were presented by Cllr Chewe Munkonge, Lord Mayor of Oxford.
Winner: Hayley Jane Collier (Bicester Autism)
“Hayley Jayne is the heart and driving force behind Bicester Autism/ADHD. Hayley creates safe spaces, goes above and beyond, leads with lived experience, empowers others and never stops giving. Hayley’s impact is seen in the relief of a parent who finally feels heard, the smile of a child who feels accepted, and the strength of a community she has helped build. Hayley stands out as someone who truly changes lives every single day. She doesn’t just support the community – she is the reason it thrives.”
Highly Commended: Anya Pitts (Root and Branch)
“A retired teacher, Anya Pitts quickly identified that she could offer additional support in adult literacy, providing individualised programmes to those participants who feel they may benefit. It has been an absolute joy to watch participants’ skills develop. One developed a love of poetry and regularly shares his own written verse with us. Another expressed that he no longer fears the postman as he can open and read his own mail. Anya has made a huge and lasting difference that will positively influence those she has worked with.”
The Awards were presented by Mr Brian Buchan MBE, His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Oxfordshire.
Thank you to Oxford Brookes University for once again supporting our event and Room2Reward who generously gifted each winner with a hotel stay.