The longest-serving volunteer at Emmaus Leeds has received a special medal to recognise his outstanding contribution.
On Wednesday 20 July, volunteer Alfie Pollard received an Emmaus UK Founders’ Medal in recognition of his outstanding voluntary service to Emmaus Leeds. Beeston resident Alfie has been involved at Emmaus Leeds for 18 years and as a volunteer for the past 11 years.
Emmaus Leeds supports 28 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home, support, training and work in a community setting. Alfie is part of a team of local volunteers who work alongside people supported by our charity in the Emmaus Leeds social enterprise.
Alfie said: “It was a big surprise to receive the medal and when it was presented to me, I was a bit overawed and embarrassed at first. For everyone at Emmaus Leeds to put my name forward and nominate me for an Emmaus Founders’ Medal is very humbling. I do enjoy volunteering at Emmaus Leeds and so to receive this recognition is really special.”
After retiring from the fire service, Alfie started work as a part-time van driver at Emmaus Leeds in 2004. After retiring for a second time in 2011, Alfie became a volunteer, giving his support at least one day every week for the past 11 years.
A fantastic contribution
Donald Forrester, Chief Executive of Emmaus Leeds, said: “Alfie is an example to us all. He’s always positive and enthusiastic, loved by everyone at our community and part of a team of volunteers we could not do without. Alfie has made a fantastic contribution to Emmaus Leeds and had a positive impact on many of the people we’ve supported over the years.”
Alfie continues to volunteer each week at our Secondhand Superstore on St Mary’s Street. He and fellow volunteers help out in the donations sorting room, processing donations and restocking our large charity store with clothes, books and bric-a-brac.
Learn more about Emmaus Leeds today. For more information, to make a donation or get involved please call 0113 248 4288 or visit Emmaus Leeds at St Mary’s Street, Leeds, LS9 7DP.