Celebrating the King’s Award for Voluntary Service

We were thrilled and honoured to receive this prestigious award as part of HM The King’s Birthday Honours in November last year. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award a charity can receive in the UK and equivalent to an MBE. It has been given for working alongside communities to transform futures and equip families with the skills to flourish.
This week we were presented with the award crystal and certificate at a ceremony attended by volunteers, supporters and civic dignitaries. The award was presented by HM Lord-Lieutenant of West Yorkshire, Ed Anderson CBE, alongside Deputy Lieutenants Dr Edward Ziff OBE and Dr John Tarrant. We are immensely grateful for their encouragement and support for us as a charity. We were also honoured to receive the newly appointed Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung as our guest.
As part of the ceremony, staff and volunteers showcased some of our work, with guests invited to take part in a variety of interactive activities.
CEO, Kate Colbrook, said, “This award recognises the incredible dedication of our army of volunteers who work tirelessly to make a difference and change lives. It comes against a backdrop of over 40,000 children in Leeds facing desperate poverty. We are passionate about changing this, and this award is a catalyst for us to support even more children and families, so that many more lives and futures can be transformed.”