Jewish Care celebrated the contributions of volunteers from Essex and east London at its annual Betty and Aubrey Lynes Volunteer Awards, held at the Wohl Synagogue in Friern Barnet, presenting 22 awards.
The event recognised individuals across generations for their dedication and service to the charity’s members, residents, and families.
Among the night’s recipients was Lesley Midda, who received the Sonia Douek Volunteer of the Year Award.
The award was presented by Michelle Weiner in memory of her late mother, Sonia Douek, a pioneer of person-centred care and a leader in the Jewish community, who devoted her life to enhancing the dignity and wellbeing of older people across the Jewish community.
Ms Midda was recognised for her dedication, kindness, and commitment to the values that defined Ms Douek’s legacy.
She said: “I am deeply honoured to receive this award.
“Volunteering has never been about recognition, it’s been about showing up, doing what I can and being part of something bigger than myself.
“But this acknowledgment means a lot.
“It reminds me that every hour, every effort and every small act truly matters.”
Sandra Brandes received the Contribution to Management Award for her work at the Stepney Day Centre, where she volunteers twice a week and takes part in fundraising through the Friends of Stepney committee.
Ms Brandes said: “I feel so honoured.
“We put in such hard work, it’s so nice to be recognised.”
Simon Elman was given the Innovative and Creative Award for his idea to organise volunteer meetups.
These gatherings, now held regularly in Golders Green, Edgware, and east London, have helped strengthen the befriending programme by encouraging connection and support among volunteers.
Mr Elman said: “We don’t do what we do for awards, we do them because we love our community, but to be acknowledged is a wonderful thing.
“I’ve worked with Jewish Care for 18 years now, it is so lovely to be recognised and a very humbling experience.
“It is a joy to be here.”
The Unsung Hero Award went to Rita Rogers and Albert Joseph.
Ms Rogers has volunteered for more than 20 years in Redbridge and dementia services.
She said: “I’m absolutely overwhelmed and shocked that I got the award for Unsung Hero, it means the world to me because I love being a volunteer, it gives me great pleasure in everything I do.”
Mr Joseph was recognised for his dedication to delivering Meals on Wheels to vulnerable residents in Redbridge and Stepney Green.
He said: “I love working for Jewish Care and the job that we all do is amazing.
“The award that I have received is so meaningful and I feel so appreciated.”
Marcus Sperber, chair of Jewish Care, said: “I feel a profound sense of responsibility and pride.
“I and my fellow trustees are all volunteers just like so many of you who are with us in the room tonight.
“Each of us together with the Jewish Care staff knows that our work would not be possible without all of you who volunteer alongside us and who commit to supporting our members, residents, clients, tenants and their relatives every day.”
Mr Sperber praised the resilience and unity shown by volunteers, especially during challenging times.
He said: “In times of challenge, your commitment to volunteering and communal service stands as a beacon of hope.
“It reminds us that even in times of adversity, when we come together and unify, we can make a difference and create positive change.
“Volunteering transcends borders, politics and personal beliefs.
“It is rooted in compassion, empathy and the desire to uplift others without expecting anything in return.
“All of you in this room tonight embody those values and continue to make a difference and for that we are truly grateful.”
Richard Shone, director of community services and volunteering at Jewish Care, said the charity’s work would not be possible without its volunteers.
He said: “We celebrate the dedication and commitment of all our amazing volunteers.
“Each of them makes a huge difference every day to the lives of those we support, and we are truly grateful – we couldn’t do what we do without them.”
