A group of fantastic volunteers were on hand to welcome the riders of the Tour de Thanks as it rolled into Reading on Sunday 6 June, coinciding with this year’s Volunteers’ Week celebrations.
The volunteers, part of the Reading Voluntary Action and Greater Reading Nepalese Community Association team supporting the Central and Whitely vaccination hub, received ‘People’s Medals’ in recognition of the sterling work they have been doing during the pandemic. Those collecting the medals were doing so not just for themselves but on behalf of the 1000s of volunteers who have stepped up to help out across the communities of Reading in the past year.
The CEO of Volunteering Matters, Paul Reddish, undertook the gruelling 1000km cycle from Edinburgh to London via Wales to say a heartfelt thanks to the thousands of people across the UK who have made a difference in their communities in the last 12 months or so – and raise money for good causes. On his journey, he was joined by special guests riding alongside him including his father, Paralympian swimmer and former Paralympics GB CEO Tim Reddish CBE and his guide dog, Pip.
‘The People’s Medal’ comes in the shape of a beautifully designed pin badge from #PinYourThanks, a volunteer-run campaign that has been given by tens of thousands of people to thank their own pandemic heroes and since launching last summer.
As well as handing out pin badges and thanks, Paul will be raising money, which will go
towards volunteering projects in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
Paul Reddish says, “There can be few brighter lights in the last twelve months or so than the everyday kindness we’ve seen from people. Volunteering is often talked about in terms of organised events or initiatives, but just as important are the small gestures which can make a big difference. I’m hoping to shine a light on all types of volunteering across the UK and raise some money for future volunteering projects.”
Donations can be made through the Just Giving page:
justgiving.com/campaigns/tourdethanks