Ross Kemp launches ‘Cheers for Volunteers’

The actor and television presenter is calling on the whole country to unite on the final day of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations to say a huge thank you to the volunteers who make such an enormous contribution to our country.

Join in and celebrate Cheers for Volunteers

Volunteers from a raft of national and local charities – including Royal Voluntary Service, RNIB, Eden Project, and the Girlguiding – joined Ross Kemp at the Cornhill Centre in Banbury, where the actor and television presenter hosted a lunch and served drinks to thank the volunteers for all that they do. 

Volunteers attending the event included:

• Saira Begum, founder of PL84U Al-Suffa, the community kitchen, food and clothing bank
• Molly Newbury, who cycled from the UK to New Zealand to raise funds and awareness for the charity Choose Love, a charity providing essentials with dignity to millions of refugees across Europe
• Helen Tunbridge, a Royal Voluntary Service Good Neighbours volunteer who provides shopping deliveries and valuable companionship for the vulnerable people that she supports within her community 

“Every day, in every corner of the country, our volunteers shape our lives. They keep us safe, brighten our communities, entertain the kids, raise money for vital causes, and much more besides.  

“In the last two years that work has become ever more visible as we take care of each other in tough times and re-evaluate what’s important. But we’re still not good enough at recognising those who make a difference – that’s what Thank You Day is all about.

“So this Thank You Day, we’re calling on the whole country to come together to say ‘Cheers for Volunteers’ – to take a moment to raise a toast to the extraordinary people who spend their time and energy making our communities nicer places to live.

“Whether you’re at a Big Jubilee Lunch, a concert in the park or a friendly game against the neighbours - wherever you are, whatever you are doing - let’s take the time to thank those who sacrifice so much for the rest of us.

“So don’t forget, this Thank You Day, 5 June, raise a mug and toast the very best of us - let’s say a huge Cheers for Volunteers’”  

Ross Kemp, Royal Voluntary Service supporter

“Thank You Day is the perfect opportunity to raise a mug or glass to volunteers everywhere, who I believe are pillars of our communities. Every day, volunteers are donating their time to making the people around them happier and healthier. They have done so much for us all over the past two years especially. I know that they don’t volunteer for praise or recognition, but I say that’s all the more reason to give them a huge, well-deserved ‘Cheers for Volunteers’!”

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service

“At Rotary we’re committed to making a difference and making connections in our communities. The reason we’re able have the impact we do is because of our members who volunteer their time and talents in their communities. It’s so important to recognise volunteers and the contribution they make. Cheers for Volunteers is a great way to do that.”

Amanda Watkin, CEO of Rotary GB&I

“Volunteers are at the very heart of Girlguiding. Without volunteers guiding simply wouldn’t happen. We are extremely grateful to our dedicated 80,000 Girlguiding volunteers across the UK and beyond, who give their time and energy, day in, day out to provide girls with the very best guiding offers. The support our volunteers give is so important, and on this upcoming thank you day we’d like to acknowledge their dedication and say a massive thank you for all they do!”

Girlguiding CEO, Angela Salt OBE

‘Scouts are proud to be playing a key role in Thank You Day 2022, celebrating the everyday superheroes who serve our communities. Scouts is only possible because of the efforts of nearly 150,000 adult volunteers who give their time and skills locally to help young people gain skills for life. Scouts volunteers across the UK will be sharing a well-earned cuppa at thank you parties to say Cheers for Volunteers and take a moment to say thank you.’

Chris James, Head of Brand and Ambassadors, Scouts

For further information

Find out more about local volunteering opportunities with Royal Voluntary Service

Make a donation to support the charity’s work during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond. 

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