Press Release

'Outstanding volunteer' from New Earswick to receive national award

27 September 2005

New Earswick resident Brenda Parnaby is to receive a prestigious Year of the Volunteer medal in recognition of her work with older people. Since 2003, Brenda has regularly volunteered her time to help the 98 residents of the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust’s Red Lodge in New Earswick, organising activities and entertainment.

Brenda will receive her medal, struck by the Royal Mint, at a regional presentation later in the year. She has been judged to be one of the 401 most deserving volunteers in the Year of the Volunteer Award category for Impact. Further shortlisting will now take place to select an overall Category Champion who will be invited to attend a celebration event in London in January 2006.

As well as organising activities for the residents, Brenda has helped to strengthen the links between Red Lodge and the community by encouraging other local people to visit and join in. This has made a big difference to residents, especially those who are too frail to go out.

Brenda is held in such high regard by the residents, they have asked her to be their representative and voice on the Management Committee at Red Lodge.

Rachel Maclure, the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust Volunteer Coordinator who nominated Brenda for the award, said: "Brenda knows almost everyone by name and would call many of them friends or family. When she sees something that would be of interest to one of the residents, she is quick to grab it. This makes them feel loved and appreciated. Not many who know Brenda are able to feel lonely and isolated anymore."