VOLUNTEERS were rewarded for their dedication and commitment to helping others during a ceremony last Friday.
The 100 volunteers, who spared 100 hours each, attended a special award ceremony at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Ealing Common, and the afternoon also marked the Community Service Volunteers Make a Difference day.
Ealing deputy mayor Councillor John Ross presented the awards and guests were given an opportunity to hear the volunteers' inspiring stories.
Rustom Davar, who volunteers at the Impact Theatre Company and Outreach Network, said he hardly knew anyone when he came to the UK and wanted to meet people and make a positive contribution.
Mr Davar said: "It has been a really wonderful experience. I have learned a lot. I didn't know much about learning disabilities and I am now more aware of the challenges that people with learning disabilities face.
"At Impact they get the chance to meet people, to do something creative like puppet-making, drama or dance."
Storyteller Akuba read out her poem, A Good Volunteer Makes a Difference, and Lizzie Saunders, manager of Ealing Volunteer Centre, said: "Today we have recognised the enormous difference that volunteers make to the local community.
"At Ealing Volunteer Centre we offer free one-to-one advice sessions for Ealing residents who are thinking of volunteering and would like to find out more."
For more information call 0800 652 3183.
