Lola and Shona receive long service awards from Princess Royal
Thursday, 2 October 2008
Lola Kaytar, from Ballymena Save the Children Shop, receives her 10-year long service award from President, Princess Royal.
Two women from the Save the Children shop in Ballymena, Lola Kaytar and Shona Clarke, met HRN, the Princess Royal, at the Save the Children's Volunteer Day at Hillsborough Castle.
The Princess Royal, who is Save the Children President, was guest of honour.
Lola and Shona were presented with long service awards (10 years) in the shop.
The duo joined volunteers from across Northern Ireland to be recognised for their commitment and dedication at a special ceremony.
‘Volunteer Day' is an annual event to thank the 500 people who give their time freely to support the organisation and help raise money to fund local and international projects.
In 2006/7, Save the Children raised £2 million in Northern Ireland, £500,000 of which was raised directly by the 23 volunteer branches and six shops here.
Guests from the corporate sector and local celebrities also attended the event.
Save the Children wanted to recognise the contribution they make to the organisation - both financial and in kind.
A number of awards were presented at the ceremony to recognise achievement.
Meanwhile, Dalriada Grammar School, from Ballymoney, received the Senior Rita Rodden Cup to mark its longstanding association with Save the Children.
The school has supported the organisation for more than 30 years.
Volunteer branch workers are recognised for 21 years' s service. Among those honoured was Elsie Todd, from the Randalstown branch.
Jo Keating, Fundraising Executive for Save the Children in Northern Ireland, said they look forward to meeting the volunteers every year and taking the opportunity to thank them for their tremendous commitment to Save the Children.
“We know that without the support of our volunteers and supporters, Save the Children would not be able to continue its work here at home or overseas," said Jo.
"We are indebted to every one of them. This was our 56th Volunteer Day, and we wish the branches many more years of successful fundraising."
