Honoring Outstanding Volunteers: MVA's Long Service Award 2024

The heart of any organisation often beats strongest through the unwavering commitment of its volunteers, and MVA are delighted to share their recognition and celebration of two of their 'very-own' exceptional volunteers'; both of whom have generously dedicated their time and talents with MVA with a new Long Service to Volunteering Award.

This new prestigious award is bestowed upon MVA volunteers who have shown significant and volunteer service over a remarkable period of 7 years. This isn't simply about clocking in the hours; it's about the consistent, meaningful impact these individuals have made at MVA and the communities they serve.

Seven years is a substantial commitment, a significant portion of one’s life dedicated to something outside of personal gain. It speaks to a deep-seated belief in MVA's mission and a genuine desire to make a difference. These volunteers are more than just helpers; they are integral parts of MVA's team, contributing their unique skills, knowledge, and passion to our collective efforts.

MVA are fortunate to have two such amazing volunteers, Fouad El-Manaa who has been supporting MVA with all things 'local interest' and funding for 10 years. Every week, twice a week he heads down to the office and sifts through endless local stories and funding pots to bring you the best of what's available locally, so you don't have to.

You can find out more about Fouad's journey by clicking HERE to listen to his recent podcast interview about the power of volunteering.

Martin: MVA's Second Unsung Hero Behind the Scenes on all things Website & Data at MVA

Martin has been volunteering at MVA for 7 years and his dedication extends far beyond just putting in hours. He volunteers his skills diligently, maintaining the website – a crucial tool for communication and engagement – ensuring it’s always up-to-date, accessible, and user-friendly. But Martin's commitment doesn’t stop at website upkeep. He’s also a key figure in managing our data, diligently organising and safeguarding vital information that supports our programmes and operations.

These data Martin pulls together are not just numbers on a page, but rather, a clear picture of the impact we are having, enabling us to make informed decisions and better serve Medway's communities.

What makes both of these volunteers exceptional is their consistent willingness to go the extra mile. They approach their tasks with a quiet determination and a genuine desire to help. Their commitment is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the positive impact individuals can have.

The Long Service Awards presented to Martin and Fouad are a small token from MVA to say a huge thank you for their large contributions.