A wonderful night celebrating volunteers from across Hull, East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire, and North East Lincolnshire.

The Time2Volunteer awards saw shortlisted nominees, representatives from their organisations, and partners come together at the Bonus Arena to enjoy a sparkling afternoon tea honouring the brilliant and unwavering support of local volunteers. 

The Awards, hosted by HEY Smile Foundation in partnership with Nisa Retail’s charity Making a Difference Locally (MADL), East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and Hull CVS, celebrated volunteers who dedicate time to a long list of causes, including helping people with disabilities, sports clubs, conservation, animal welfare and social care.

Each of the 11 categories were sponsored and judged by a partner organisation and then the ‘Outstanding Volunteer of the Year’ was selected from the 11 winning entries by Nisa Retail’s charity Making a Difference Locally (MADL).

Having won the award for ‘Behind the Scenes’, 77-year-old volunteer Graham Drury, who has volunteered as a driver and maintenance man at Hearing Dogs for the Deaf for a decade, was named the overall outstanding winner.

Graham does everything from driving 300 miles a day to building furniture and fixing locks. He dismantles gazebos in a downpour, collects and empties dog poo bags, and even dresses as the charity’s mascot.

Graham, who worked as a tanker driver for forty years, explained that his volunteering career began when he offered to drive a minibus and that he hasn’t looked back.

He said: “I get a lot of satisfaction from what I do and it is hard to take any credit because I love every minute. I don’t see the impact of my work because I just turn up and drive to places or fix things. I am amazed to win and to know what a difference I make. It is a fantastic feeling.” He added: “I am 77, and I will keep going until I am 99 if I can.”

"KCOM is rooted in this region, most of our staff and their families live here and we want to invest in the community that supports them. We do a lot of work with older people, so it felt fitting to sponsor the older person’s award. We know we were in good company with many businesses in the room and it is fantastic to feel that we are part of a collective that wants to better the region. Congratulations to all winners and volunteers.”

The full list of winners:

Behind the Scenes Volunteer Award, sponsored by Umber Creative, won by Graham Drury, Hearing Dogs for Deaf People.

Community Volunteer Award, sponsored by East Riding of Yorkshire Council, won by Joe Dixon, Howden Rotary Memory Café.

Connecting Communities Volunteer Award, sponsored by Mitsubishi Chemical UK Limited, won by Withernsea Armed Forces & Veterans Breakfast Club Admins.

Environmental Volunteer Award, sponsored by Transwaste, won by EMS Volunteers Kirsti, Gary & Julie, EMS Limited.

Volunteer Fundraiser Award, sponsored by Reckitt, won by Stacey Sheppard, HEY Sight Support.

Older Volunteer Award, sponsored by KCOM, won by Beryl Kelsey, Backcare.

Public Service Volunteer Award, sponsored by City Healthcare Partnership (CHCP), won by Steven Sorenson, Fareshare Hull and Humber.

Sports Volunteer Award, sponsored by Active Humber, won by Jo Newby, Barton FC Inclusive (Hull).

Volunteer Team Award, sponsored by Arco, won by Home-Visiting Volunteers, Home-Start Hull.

Trustee Award, sponsored by Smailes Goldie, won by Christine Hornshaw, Platform Provision.

Young Volunteer Award, sponsored by Eltherington, won by Kiya Crawford, Winner Preston Road Women’s Centre.