The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) hosted its largest-ever Celebrating Volunteering Awards earlier this year.
With 350 guests, 105 award submissions, and representation from 53 charities, this year’s Celebrating Volunteering Awards was a record-breaking celebration – an 18% rise in nominations and a 50% increase in participating charities compared to 2023.
The awards also marked 18 years since JVN’s founding. In Hebrew, the number 18 symbolises ‘Chai’ – meaning life – a fitting tribute to JVN’s work in bringing volunteering to life for individuals and communities. The theme, ‘Volunteering Brought to Life,’ was beautifully captured in a new film by BBC director David Coleman which premiered during the event.
Distinguished speakers included JVN Chairman, Daniel Levy, who shared a personal letter from the King’s private secretary and President of Israel Isaac Herzog, alongside JLC Chair, Keith Black, and JVN Co-founder, Susan Winton.
The awards recognised exceptional contributions across four categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Young Adult Volunteer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Each category showcased the extraordinary dedication and talent within the volunteering community, honouring individuals and teams who make a lasting impact.
Manchester winners included: All Aboard, Wendy and the Prestwich Volunteer team, for Volunteer Team of the Year; Keren Girls, Rebecca Abeles, for Volunteer of the Year; The Keren Mentors, for Volunteer Team of the Year; and Wohl Legacy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award was Dalia Rudolph, volunteer at the Camp Simcha.
With its record-breaking achievements and inspiring stories, the 2024 JVN Celebrating Volunteering Awards underscored the enduring power of volunteering and its ability to bring communities together. If anyone would like to find a volunteering role in 2025, visit Jvn.org.uk or contact Rebecca at manchester@jvn.org.uk