"Kent would be a much poorer place without them": 700 volunteers celebrated at Rochester Cathedral
Over 700 volunteers were celebrated last night at Rochester Cathedral
We're hearing how volunteers are the 'heartbeat' of Kent, and that the county would in a 'much poorer place' without them.
From food banks to domestic abuse charities - 700 people from across the county were celebrated at Rochester Cathedral last night.
The service was hosted Lord-Lieutenant and High Sheriff of Kent to thank all them for their hard work.
Speaking to us, the Lord Lieutenant, The Lady Colgrain said: "I just can't thank them enough for all that they do but i'm sure they get as much out of it as they give.
"We would be so much the poorer as a county, both economically and spiritually, if it wasn't for all their hard work."
The evening started at 5:30pm with Maya’s Community Support Centre, SATEDA and Dartford Junior parkrun, speaking about what volunteering means to them.
More speeches were then given by Citizens Advice Witness Service, Medway African and Caribbean Association and Creative Medway and Gravesend RNLI, with evening being rounded off by Kent Police's cadet scheme.
Maya set up Maya’s Community Support Centre in Herne Berne three years ago. It operates as a food bank, cafe and clothes shop, with Maya winning a Pride of Britain Award in 2023 and she said: "I started my charity when I was struggling myself financially, I couldn't afford to buy a piece of bread.
"It was difficult, I didn't have a penny but now I feed hundreds of people and being invited to an event like this, it's a big honour for me, I feel really special."
"It's a big thing knowing you can change someone's life, knowing you could stop someone from taking their own life by giving them hope when you give them food, clothes or even a huge or a smile, you're saving them by giving them a piece of yourself, a piece of your heart."
Rayo Premium