Congratulations to our winners!
Open Door celebrated its volunteers at a recognition event held in December. All volunteers names were dropped into a ‘virtual hat’, with three lucky recipients of the Room to Reward award randomly selected. Ray Emms, Kleo Hills and Linda Fildes each receive a voucher to be exchanged for a short break in one of several UK hotels and holiday centres.
Room to Reward is a unique volunteer-recognition charity created to say ‘thank you’ to the many inspirational volunteers who give up their time to make a difference to those who need it most.
Hotels and holiday park partners donate their unsold rooms, so that charities and community groups can nominate their hidden heroes for a break.
“I hesitated outside the door before stepping into the Chat Café for the first time. But I feel now that my involvement has brought out the best in myself. I’ve helped people through some difficult times, including losing a spouse. So, when I see the happy faces and the loud banter in the room, I feel like I’ve managed to make a little difference.”
Ray
“when I see people leaving the Chat Café more centred, more hopeful it lifts my spirits too – helping others heal has ultimately helped me too, so it’s a win-win for everyone”.
Kleo
“It might seem strange to others, but there is a great deal of humour in our cancer group conversations! Purple wigs in response to hair loss is a common theme! The guests know that they can talk openly, and we will listen, without judging and they can trust that everything stays within the group”.
Linda
