Volunteer receives award for support at community centre
Annette Bryden (left) presents Linda Downes with a volunteering award for her contribution to events at Hightown Community Resource Centre
A Wrexham resident who gives up her time to help run events for the community has been recognised for her contribution.
Linda Downes collected a Certificate of Excellence for her volunteer work at Wales & West Housing’s Hightown Community Resource Centre in Wrexham.
The award was made by the Association of Voluntary Organisations in Wrexham (AVOW) as part of its Volunteer Week celebrations.
“What Linda does for the centre really does make a difference.”
Annette Bryden, Hightown Community Resource Centre Manager
Linda relocated from Bournemouth to Wrexham three years ago and living near to the Hightown Community Resource Centre, began attending events there.
First there was weekly Bingo and then a craft club and before long Linda began helping out at events, assisting with everything from meeting and greeting visitors to helping with setup or clearing away.
Now, she has become a familiar face to visitors to the centre and her support helps to ensure events run smoothly.
She was put forward for the award by centre manager Annette Bryden in recognition of her contribution.
Annette said: “What Linda does for the centre really does make a difference. She is really pleasant, friendly and welcoming to everyone who comes to events here so it’s nice to see her contribution recognised with this award from AVOW.”
Linda said: “I moved to Wrexham just before Covid and when things started opening up after the pandemic the centre was a welcoming and safe place to come.
“I enjoyed coming here and through the events I attended I’ve met new friends. When Annette asked me about volunteering I was happy to help. I help out at different events as and when I can and it’s great meeting new people. I couldn’t believe it when I found out I was being given the award.”
AVOW supports the local community and voluntary sector in Wrexham and is the County Voluntary Council for Wrexham County Borough.
It works with charities, voluntary and community groups, social enterprises, trustees, individual volunteers, carers and service users.
Hightown Community Resource Centre is a community centre run by Wales & West Housing in the Hightown area of Wrexham. It hosts regular groups and events and has rooms which are available to hire.
For more information visit https://www.facebook.com/hightowncrc