Ross Kemp toasts hard-working pandemic helpers at ‘Cheers for Volunteers’ event

Recognising the incredible effort of the 12.4 million volunteers who stepped up to support during the pandemic, Ross in partnership with the Together Coalition and Royal Voluntary Service, is leading a national ‘Cheers for Volunteers’ as part of the new Thank You Day on 4 July.

A group of 12 volunteers from a mix of local and national charities including Royal Voluntary Service, Chepstow COVID-19 Helping Group and Rotary have been invited to The Wild Hare in Tintern, Wales, to take part in a Cheers for Volunteers quiz and enjoy a drink from Ross, to say ‘cheers’ to them for their valuable contributions over the past 18 months.

The quiz, which will take place at 16:40, will be live streamed on Royal Voluntary Service’s Virtual Village Hall, a popular, free online community hub created by the charity. Following the quiz on the Virtual Village Hall Facebook page, Ross will countdown to the Cheers for Volunteers at 5pm when the public are being encouraged to raise a glass or cuppa to thank all the volunteers who did so much to help.

Ross is not new to volunteering having spent the last few months helping a range of charities and having filmed a documentary on volunteering at the start of the pandemic.

Ross Kemp is one of many celebrities including Elaine Paige OBE, Bear Grylls, Felicity Kendal, Gary Lineker and Dame Judy Dench who are backing the national ‘Thank You Day’ on 4 July. Thank You Day will see members of the public join in with a series of events in their communities to show appreciation to all those who have carried us through the pandemic.

"I’m looking forward to meeting more incredible volunteers on Thank You Day. The support they have given to their communities throughout the pandemic is invaluable and I think they are inspirational people. It will be my pleasure to treat them to a drink and a quiz and I welcome everyone, wherever you are, to join me at 5pm on 4 July in raising your drink of choice to all of the volunteers who are seeing us through this pandemic."

Ross Kemp

"12.4 million volunteers stepped forward to offer their support during the pandemic which is a tribute to our society and simply amazing. Every single one of those volunteers deserves a heartfelt thank you from all of us and I look forward to recognising and celebrating their achievements myself this Thank You Day and saying a huge ‘Cheers for Volunteers’ to them all."

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive at Royal Voluntary Service

Throughout the pandemic, Royal Voluntary Service volunteers have provided essential support to those in need, with the charity tailoring its existing services to ensure that no client goes without help. These include companionship calls, grocery and prescription deliveries, free food packs to vulnerable people and NHS teams, socially distanced visits, home library deliveries and medical and community transport journeys.

For further information

To become a local volunteer search for volunteering opportunities in your area. Or help make a difference by making a secure online donation.

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