Volunteer recognition

CANAL charities could not exist without the selfless volunteers that support and staff them. This support varies from working at ‘the coal face' on the particular project with physical effort, right through to charity management and financial control, writes Orph Mable.

These stalwarts give their time and effort freely for a purpose that they believe is worthwhile but what to an ‘outsider' may (at first glance) seem an impossible goal. These volunteers rarely get recognition outside of their own group and are hardly ever brought to the notice of the public at large.

Value of supporting charities

Many large and well-known businesses are realising the value of supporting charities and offer their employees who carry out volunteering duties whilst in their employment. Motorola Solutions, a worldwide technology company, is one such business that supports its employees in charitable work with grants and awards. I am very pleased to report that a Wilts & Berks Canal Trust (WBCT) volunteer has recently received due recognition and this has had further benefits for canal restoration.

Derek Flexer, a 53 years old manager at Motorola Solutions, was awarded the ‘2012 CEO Award for Volunteerism'. Derek was the only UK recipient of the award, and one of only ten individuals and groups of employees chosen from across the world. Other Motorola staff recognised for their volunteering were from North America, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

300 hours

Derek, who is the chairman of the of the Melksham, Chippenham and Calne branch of WBCT, has put in nearly 300 hours of volunteer service in 2012, with branch members carrying out such tasks as dredging and rewatering significant lengths of canal, raising and widening the towpath, and rebuilding culverts and spill weirs. Motorola spokesperson, Simon Craddock, stated:

"The CEO Award for Volunteerism encourages worldwide community involvement and recognises exceptional service".

Derek's award brings a grant of $5,000 (approx £3,300) from Motorola, that is going towards further canal restoration in the Pewsham area. Derek's volunteering efforts were recognised earlier in 2012 with a $500 (£330) Motorola grant when he received the quarterly Service Corps Award. Both financial awards will greatly assist in the restoration work.

Well done Derek and all the other unsung champions of canal restoration.