We are delighted to announce that our longest-standing ‘Older Friend’ volunteer, Joan Bolton, has been shortlisted as a finalist for ‘Citizen of the Year’ in the Pride of Warwick Awards 2016. This is highly deserved for Joan who has volunteered for The Friendship Project for 20 years, supporting disadvantaged children in Warwickshire.
When we told Joan that she had been shortlisted for this award she said;
“I was absolutely flabbergasted but really honoured to be told I have been nominated for the local citizen of the year award because of my work with the Friendship Project. I know I am the longest serving older friend but the years of supporting the younger friends I have had have been great. I have been able to go to places I wouldn’t normally have gone to & the youngsters have given me so much pleasure. It has been a joy to watch them grow & become confident, responsible & sociable young people.
Also it has been great to meet with organisers of the Project & other ‘Older Friends’ & ‘Younger Friends’, our times together are always most enjoyable & inspirational. An enormous “Thank you” to all the Project members over the years.”
The awards ceremony is to be held on 15th July at the Chesford Grange Hotel where the winners will be announced. It would be wonderful if ‘Older Friend’ Joan won, but to have got to this stage and been recognised for a lifetimes good work is still amazing and we at The Friendship Project are so proud of Joan and her achievements.
