VOLUNTEERS were commended for their years of dedication to Jewish Care at their annual awards ceremony.

Jewish Chairman, Steven Lewis thanked the 3,000 volunteers for their commitment at the charity’s Betty and Aubrey Lynes annual celebration of volunteering last week.

Presenting the awards was comedian and writer, Ivor Baddiel, who said: “Jewish Care really couldn’t manage without you, so thank you. In an increasingly uncertain world, what you do shows that all we really need is a bit of kindness, compassion and of course, caring.”

Winner of the young volunteer award, was 16-year-old Joseph Malinsky, who has volunteered at Lady Sarah Cohen House in Friern Barnet, for the past two years.

He said: “It’s really exciting to win this award. I started volunteering as part of my Duke of Edinburgh Award but I enjoyed it so much I continued after the six month programme came to an end. I like helping the residents and being able to give something back.”

Volunteers Hermi Goodman and Sheila Lee have between them, volunteered over 42 years, by regularly visiting the Leonard Sainer centre for people living with dementia in Edgware.

Ms Goodman said: “I started volunteering once my children flew the nest because I wanted to do something meaningful to enhance my life. Jewish Care is like a big family and it is wonderful to be a part of that family and make the day a happy one for older members of the community.

“Receiving the award with my friend Shirley makes it more special – we’ve volunteered together for more than 20 years. It’s a privilege to have such amazing clients and hear their incredible stories from the past.”

Ann Zinkin, who began by volunteering at the centre and is now responsible for quality assurance at all the Centres, won the winner of the individual contribution to local management award.

Ms Zinkin said: “I feel very honoured, I worked in quality assurance professionally so it’s something I’ve always done. I really enjoy volunteering, it’s a privilege and I’m happy to keep doing more and more.”

The Jewish Studies team and year eight teachers at Jewish Care’s connect centre in Southgate, received an award for organising an intergenerational programme for independent, older people.