The Emmaus Merseyside volunteer team has made the final shortlist in the Steve Morgan Foundation 20th Anniversary Awards.

Emmaus Merseyside provides a home, training, work opportunities and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness. More than 20 volunteers work alongside the people we support to help in our Charity Superstore, community home, garden and as trustees.

Claire Curtis-Thomas, a gardening volunteer at Emmaus Merseyside, said: “My biggest satisfaction as a volunteer at Emmaus is the companionship. It’s the opportunity to give back really, and to receive. In giving, you receive so much, and I’ve just been overwhelmed by the generosity shown by my fellow volunteers, companions and the staff at Emmaus.”

A record 337 entries were made to the Steve Morgan Foundation 20th Anniversary Awards. Charity finalists from across Cheshire, Merseyside and North Wales all vying for a share of £175,000 prize money across 11 categories.

Our Emmaus Merseyside volunteers are in the final five in the ‘Best Volunteer Team with turnover above £250k’ award category. The winners and runners-up will be announced at the Foundation’s 20th Anniversary Conference and Awards at Carden Park Hotel on 28 March 2022.

Jane Harris, Director of Regional Grants at the Steve Morgan Foundation, said: “We had a record number of entries so it was a real challenge just to get to a final shortlist. Congratulations to all those involved.”

The Steve Morgan Foundation was founded in 2001 by Steve Morgan CBE, the founder and former chairman of housing giant Redrow. The Foundation supports projects that help children and families as well as the elderly, disabled and socially disadvantaged. Over the past 20 years the Foundation has donated more than £300 million to charities.

Marc Bamber, Chief Operating Officer at Emmaus Merseyside, said: “Our fantastic volunteers help out in all areas of our charity, making a big impact within the community and to the lives of the formerly homeless people we support. We are delighted that their efforts have been recognised and grateful to everyone who voted for Emmaus Merseyside in the public vote.”

Find out more about the roles on offer and get involved with Emmaus Merseyside.