Eagles star moved as he recalls his childhood experiences
99 individual volunteers who have volunteered
their time with The Cyrenians during the last 12 months were celebrated and thanked at the 5th Annual Volunteers Celebration held recently in the gardens of Elliott House.
Also acknowledged was the help and support received from 140 companies including Greggs, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Durham University, Barclays Corporate, Watson Burton, Northern Rock, Sage, DWP and Northumbrian Water.
Staff from John Lewis were specially thanked following their support in setting up the ‘Thrift Boutique’, The Cyrenians second charity shop which is based in Eldon Square.
Fab Flournoy, Player-Coach at The Eagles basketball team, presented the individual awards having been guest speaker at The Cyrenians Annual Staff Day earlier in the summer. Clearly moved, he spoke of the challenges of growing up in New York and of his sense of connection with The Cyrenians:
“My mother had a really, really tough start in life and tackled some massive setbacks and challenges. When she started to turn her life round, she found strength from a team just like The Cyrenians. They were such good people; they made all the difference for us.
“I vividly remember those days; they were a real watershed for her and for us, her four children. She turned her back on the drugs game and escaped with us - that meant we had to live secretly in abandoned buildings with no water or electricity. Those days were tough.
“The people who helped us helped my Mum find the strength to persevere on the road that she knew was right. She turned her life around and, ultimately, achieved more than she’d ever dreamed of.”
Certificates were award to all the and special recognition was given to five volunteers in particular:
- Tony Barker : The individual who has made the biggest overall difference through volunteering
- Pat Heslop : Made a difference in the life of another person by volunteering at The Cyrenians
- Daniel Lumley : Made a difference to The Cyrenians through their volunteering activities
- Jason Rowland : Made a difference in their own lives by volunteering at The Cyrenians
- Fareshare Volunteers : Volunteer Team of the Year 2011
Commenting at the Awards, Deputy Chair of The Cyrenians, Mike Worthington, said:
“This, our fifth Annual Volunteer Awards celebration, is a very special celebration – we really appreciate your help and support, your enthusiasm, fresh ideas and new ways of working. Volunteers add huge value to our work at The Cyrenians.”
Stephen Bell, Chief Executive of The Cyrenians, added:
“Volunteers can be private individuals, previous users of The Cyrenians services or come from companies. Our Volunteer Programme supports people into training and employment and helps corporate volunteers broaden their skills and outlook, hopefully, benefitting themselves and their organisations in the process.
“Volunteering is an important and integrated part of The Cyrenians’ work – we are proud to be celebrating the commitment and contribution of everyone here today.”
