11 Feb Torbay’s next generation of community champions

(L to R) Yazmin Stanley, Daisy Coote, Macey Gardiner & Peter-Criss Brian Healy, winners of the Young Volunteer of the Year award, presented by Niall Thompson, on behalf of sponsor South Devon College

It is never too early to start your volunteering journey, as was exemplified by the nominees in the Torbay Community Champion Young Volunteer of the Year Award.

Of all the categories, this was probably the most difficult to judge as all the entries showed compassion, empathy and self-motivation not always found in adults, let alone young people.

Narrowing the field to a shortlist of just four took long enough, but then choosing a single overall winner proved impossible, and the decision was taken to declare them all Young Volunteers of the Year.

According to her nomination, eight-year-old Daisy Coote has been busy since October, fundraising by making sweets and selling them to raise money for a local charity.

“Daisy’s volunteering has had a significant and measurable impact on her community, driven by her compassionate mission that no child should go hungry, especially over Christmas.

“Her primary impact has been financial, raising more than £1700 through her dedicated efforts selling homemade sweet bags. The tangible outcome of this fundraising is the direct provision of meals for vulnerable children. The funds raised contributed significantly toward the goal of feeding 250 children before Christmas.

“Her efforts began with a simple act of generosity: using her own money to buy initial supplies of sweets. This quickly escalated into a committed campaign. She spent hours and hours in the evenings, meticulously making up hundreds of sweet bags to sell, demonstrating incredible

dedication and work ethic for her age. Furthermore, she actively approached local shops and successfully secured donations, showcasing initiative and persuasive skills.

“Her compassion didn’t stop there. Over the Christmas period, she also made sweet bags specifically for homeless people to spread some festive cheer.”

Sadly, Peter-Criss Brian Healy’s Dad became ill, and in April 2020, it was discovered he had kidney cancer. He had his kidney removed, but by Nov 2020, he began to get pains in his arm, shoulder and back, which were diagnosed as secondary cancer of the bones.

He was quickly bed-bound, with Rowcroft visiting to sit and talk, provide pain relief and care for him. Rowcroft cared for Peter’s Dad, ensuring he was comfortable until he passed just before Christmas, on 18th December 2021. Then Rowcroft supported Peter and his mum through the bereavement.

His nominee said: ” In 2022, when Peter was at Combe Pafford School, he decided to raise money for Rowcroft to thank them for the ‘fantastic job’ (his words) they did for his dad and family at an extremely difficult time in their lives.

“First, a charity football match, then a cake sale, jumble sale, and non-uniform day – raising money for Rowcroft, something he has continued in his new setting, at South Devon College.

“To date, Peter, who is disabled and has challenges of his own, has raised £2,400 for Rowcroft, turning tragedy into something positive. His father would have been so proud to see the wonderful young man he has grown into.”

Macey Gardiner voluntarily does four evenings a week, working with young sea scouts/cubs/beavers in the 11^th Torbay Sea Scouts, teaching them life skills and running events.

But according to her nominee, Macey still found time to do more:  “At Christmas, she did a collection for less fortunate families across the Bay, getting gifts for their children. At 17, she has a lot of vision and wants to please other people first.

“Macey is an outstanding young leader whose dedication, resilience, and compassion inspire everyone around her. As a young carer for her dad, Macey already demonstrates a level of responsibility and empathy far beyond her years.”

And last but not least, Yazmin Stanley, who regularly volunteers at the Ellacombe Community Café and Help Hub, where she helps with all aspects of café duties, ensuring that everyone receives food and kindness in equal measure.

According to her nomination: “She provides a welcoming, safe and friendly atmosphere for everyone who comes through the doors, regardless of their circumstances.

“Many clients of the café face challenges such as homelessness, mental health issues, crises and substance misuse, but Yazmin’s warmth, respect and non-judgmental attitude have made the café a place where people feel truly valued.

“She has faced her own challenges, yet continues to show up with kindness, empathy, courage and strength, offering the same compassion toothers that she has needed herself.”

All worthy winners of the title, Torbay Community Champion Young Volunteer of the Year.