West Notts College volunteers honoured

Students who have dedicated hours of their own time to give something back to the college and their communities were celebrated at an event today at West Nottinghamshire College.

The event on Wednesday (25th June) saw more than 180 students recognised for working over 5,700 collective hours on volunteering initiatives such as community litter picks, setting up an allotment, fundraising for local and national charities, painting park railings, establishing a vegetable plot and flower borders and supporting local charity shops.

Students were awarded certificates depending on the hours dedicated to voluntary efforts throughout the academic year and they were presented by deputy principal Patricia Harman and director of communications Louise Knott.

Principal Dame Asha Khemka OBE DBE gave a congratulatory speech at the ceremony.

There were 20 students who achieved a gold certificate for over 100 hours of service, 16 students achieved a silver certificate which recognised 50 hours of service and 23 were commended with a green certificate which acknowledged 20 hours of volunteering.

Every student who participated in volunteering during the academic year 2013-2014 were awarded a certificate of appreciation.

Student Alexander Scott-Hibbert (18), from Mansfield Woodhouse, was one of the students to earn a gold certificate.

Alexander, who has just completed his Level 2 Diploma in Health and Fitness and Exercise Instruction, said: “As part of my course I volunteered at a local gym to help me learn more about the industry. While I was there I helped people with fitness and exercise advice. It was nice to help make a difference to people and it made me feel proud.

“Also I’ve done a lot of fundraising activities for Cancer Research UK in memory of a classmate who sadly died earlier this year of cancer. Again, I hope this goes towards making a difference for the national charity.”

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