Re-use, Recycle, Rewarded
We are overwhelmed to announce during Volunteers Week that the dedication & commitment we receive from our volunteers have been externally recognised. We recently nominated 2 of our volunteers for awards & both had a successful outcome.
Paul Parsons was the winner of the Green Category of the WCVA Wales Volunteer of the Year awards. Paul has overcome barriers to develop into an integral part of a team responsible for seeing more than 1,500 electrical items recycled to people in need in Rhondda Cynon Taf.
As a qualified Portable Appliance Tester with the highly successful charity toogoodtowaste, the 41-year-old from Glyncoch helps ensure that all small electrical goods are processed to a high standard, safe, fully-functional and fit for resale back to the community.
Paul is one of our ‘core’ volunteers who support the electrical department team, and takes ‘responsibility, pride and care to ensure only safe items are offered for resale’, said nominator Jennifer Evans, Volunteer Co-ordinator.
‘Like many young people who have little family support, Paul’s background involved a life of crime, drink and drugs, with an added mental health condition,’ she added.
‘He has developed skills through volunteering that have had a positive effect on overcoming many of the barriers he faces on a daily basis, and now sees his role in life to give back something to the community and encourage others to see the benefits that volunteering can offer and change their lives for the better.
‘Paul’s confidence and self-esteem have grown significantly, and we feel he truly is an inspiration to others as he gladly shares his experiences for the benefit of other potential volunteers who – like him – are striving to overcome barriers faced through a medical condition.’