Ashby Town Council says 'thank-you' to local volunteer groups with celebration event at Ivanhoe School
Around 30 volunteer groups were represented at a special Ashby de la Zouch Town Council event last week.
A Celebration of Volunteering was organised for the second year running - and attracted around 100 people to the Ivanhoe School in North Street.
The event attracted a wide range of local volunteer groups who were all recognised in a speech given by incoming Ashby Mayor Damilola Ojuri.
Leader of Ashby de la Zouch Town Council, Cllr Chris Smith, said the event was designed as a 'thank-you' to the groups giving to much to the town and the surrounding area.
Cllr Smith told Ashby Nub News: "People really appreciated it last year, so I wanted to do it again.
"It's a good opportunity to say that we recognise what people do. It's appreciated.
"But it's not always easy. People who attend the hospice and food banks are dealing with difficult issues. They don't have to do that.
"Also, there's a little bit of it that might encourage people in the area to start volunteering themselves. But that's not the main reason for this event."
North West Leicestershire MP Amanda Hack also attended the event and stressed the importance of volunteering in the community.
She said: "One of the things that's always really amazing is just how many people are involved in looking after each other, doing something for another person.
"And I've always felt really inspired by individuals who just get on and do stuff.
"You see those faces where everybody comes together and makes that effort, whether it's the Soapbox Derby a few weeks ago or the Ashby Sport Fun Day coming up is in a few weeks, there are a lot of volunteering groups taking part.
"Ashby's an events town, and they wouldn't run without these groups. It's so important that, behind every event, there is a myriad of people doing their jobs, without them, things don't happen.
"But you also look at an organisation such as Bright Hope House and everything is done by volunteers, which is just fantastic."
She added online: "All your hard work and efforts for our communities deserve to be celebrated, and doesn't go unnoticed right across North West Leicestershire!
"It was lovely to be at Ashby de la Zouch Town Council's volunteer celebration event, with over 30 different volunteer groups in attendance.
"Hearing everyone's individual stories about why they got involved, and how long they've been dedicating their time to our communities is always inspiring."
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