Aileen receives High Sheriff Award for community support
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Published 22 Oct 2024 in Colleagues
Congratulations to remarkable colleague Aileen Wilkins, who was awarded the prestigious High Sheriff Award in recognition of everything she does to support her community. We spoke to Aileen to find out more about her win.
Aileen, Head of Procurement, was nominated by Chief Information Officer, Jacob Isherwood for this highly sought after award. These awards recognise the work of those who have made outstanding contributions to the communities in which they live or work.
Q. Wow, what an achievement, Aileen! How did it feel to receive the High Sheriff Award?
A. It was lovely to be nominated and even more of a surprise that I won the award. It was an absolute shock at first considering how many others were up for the award, but once the initial disbelief went away, I was really proud that my contributions had been recognised.
Q. Can you give some examples of the community work you’ve done with Your Co-op?
A. I’m a Leamington & Warwick Regional Communities Ambassador, which means I’m actively involved in planning how we work with our charity partner, Young People First (YPF).
The work I’ve done with YPF has ranged from arranging and collecting prize donations for fundraising events, encouraging gift donations for their Christmas Present Appeal and co-ordinating supplier donations for the Christmas Hamper Appeal.
Water donations to Young People First
I also rallied colleagues to donate baby and toddler items for the charity’s parents’ event, which provided essential equipment to over 100 families. In fact, I personally collected items from 75 addresses in Warwick and Leamington for this event!
Aileen with a number of Baby and Toddler donations
Young People First - Baby and Toddler event
I’m so proud that we have raised a total of £11,426 since the YPF partnership began, which has funded many events and activities, including trips to the beach (the first time many children have ever seen the sea), and covered the cost of two experienced staff to run a new youth club in Sydenham for a whole academic year. This will have a significant impact by providing positive activities, a hot meal, a safe space to be off the streets and safe trusted adults for young people to talk to.
Fundraising fun! Beer Pong'bola
Q. That’s amazing! Do you do any community work in your own time? If so, what?
A. I have been a Trustee with Chase Meadows Community Centre since September 2018. This involves attending the Trustee meetings, assisting in the strategy for the community centre, helping with recruitment, advising on contracts and purchasing for the centre.
I also knit scarves for the homeless and recently sold some to colleagues to raise funds for YPF.
Aileen has also knitted scarves for the homeless and sold them to raise funds for Young People First
Q. What difference do you think your volunteering makes in your local community?
A. Thinking specifically about YPF, people view Warwick and Leamington as affluent areas, but there is a real difference between reality and perception. Working with YPF means we can improve the lives of children who are not getting the chances available to more affluent families. Our partnership helps improve their confidence and enables them to become the best version of themselves.
Q. What do you love most about your community work?
A. I really enjoy helping to support people who are not as fortunate as myself and knowing I am helping charities to be there for the long term.
Q. Do you have any advice for other colleagues thinking about giving their time to support the community?
A. It is personally rewarding and helps you see the benefits of investing your time and the impact this support brings to the various charities.
Want to know more about volunteering? Take a look at the Colleagues Connect Volunteering page. Don’t forget to let us know about the volunteering work you do through Count Me In to be entered into a prize draw.