Tynwald Mills is sponsoring the Volunteer of the Year Award at this year’s Isle of Man Newspapers’ Awards for Excellence.
‘Volunteer of the Year is a very special category because it really does represent what the Awards are all about and we hope to bring some extra recognition to another dedicated volunteer at this year’s Awards,’ said Matthew McSevney, marketing manager at Tynwald Mills.
He added: Our roots here run deep,’ he added. ‘Tynwald Mills has been on this site, originally as part of a thriving weaving industry, for over 100 years. In that time, just as we have developed and changed, the island itself has also diversified and become more prosperous. But one thing that has remained, and which makes the island a special place, is the sense of community.
‘We recognise that one very important element of that is the many dedicated volunteers on the Isle of Man. They have done so much to enhance other people’s lives and it is very much a part of our culture here to facilitate their work where we can.
‘For example, we have a commitment to offering people of all ages the opportunity to develop their artistic talents at the Isle Gallery. We have given the use of the building for this purpose so that it may be run by local artists on a voluntary basis. Many adults and children have already enjoyed courses at the gallery, and learned new skills.
‘As we always say: it’s not just about the shopping at Tynwald Mills – it’s about so much more.’
Last year’s winner of the Volunteer of the Year Award was Derek Peters, chairman of the Isle of Man Cancer Users’ Forum. Derek impressed the judges with the work he has done to help cancer patients like himself:
‘I was diagnosed with cancer about eight years ago and the process of going through that recovery and processing it in my mind led me to thinking about my longevity, and thinking about what I could put back into helping others.
‘Over the last five years that I have been chairman of the users’ forum we have become quite influential through talking to government and sharing our ideas, and we’ve become quite respected.’
Derek also set up the ‘meet the consultants’ series:
He said: ‘When people go through their cancer journey, they are meeting lots of daunting people – including consultants who can appear scary . The idea was to bring them down to earth and let people meet them in their jeans and T-shirts. These events have grown and the consultants love the opportunity to do it.’
‘The award wasn’t for me, it was for the people it can help and it has really helped people buy into it. So many people saw my picture in the newspaper, receiving the award, that when I walk into a room now, to give a talk, I’m not a stranger – that’s what surprised me most about the award.’
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Have You Entered Yet?
Do you know someone who deserves recognition? You can nominate them for the Volunteer of the Year Award. You will find details and entry forms at www.iomtoday.co.im/afe
Entries close on Friday, September 26.