VOLUNTEERS ARE LIFEBLOOD OF LV STREETWISE

Twenty two million people in the UK volunteer their time to charitable causes each year contributing eighty eight million collective hours every week*.

With the help of hundreds of volunteers, LV Streetwise has positively impacted on over 120,000 young people’s lives since its inception over a decade ago.

Recently hosting a special event to celebrate the inspiring contribution these volunteers make to LV Streetwise every year, an award ceremony was held at the Safety Centre in Bournemouth.

Alison Shelton, Safety Centre Manager commented, “Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the safety centre and we would be lost without them. Every year, thousands of children are killed or injured in accidents that could have been prevented if someone had warned them of the dangers and given them the knowledge and the confidence to cope. A few hours of a volunteer’s time can make a very real difference to a child’s safety. Our volunteers report back great satisfaction in making a difference to young people’s lives and we are only too pleased to be able to thank them in this way.”

LV Streetwise is a registered charity and a multi-agency partnership project. Over 80 volunteers currently dedicate their time to the safety centre amassing over 3,650 hours of volunteered time in 2008.

Katherine Hart, LV= Sponsorship and CSR Manager comments; “LV =, formerly Liverpool Victoria, were a founding partner of the charity. In 2007, after ten years of supporting the centre, LV = increased our support to become the centre’s leading commercial sponsor. LV Streetwise would not be able to boast such impressive safety statistics if it weren’t for the volunteers who generously give their time for the benefit of others. I am delighted to be here representing LV= and extend our thanks to our generous volunteers.”

Of the multiple awards given on the evening, volunteer Jeremy Yardley was awarded £30 Haskins vouchers celebrating his 122 tours totalling over 300 hours of time given to the centre last year; the highest number of any volunteer in 2008. In total Haskins donated £100 to the charity for their volunteers’ evening awards, continuing their long term support of the charity.

Terry Head of Haskins commented, “We are delighted to be able to support LV Streetwise. The dedication of their committed volunteers allows the charity to go from strength to strength and continue to make a real difference within our community and the safety of the young people who live in the region. Our donation is a gesture of our heartfelt thanks to the volunteers.”

With monetary prizes also donated by The Bear Cross, other dedicated volunteers were thanked by LV Streetwise for their hard work and commitment. Lisa Walkey, Manager of The Bear Cross commented, “The safety of the next generation is something that should be a priority to us all. We are thrilled to be able to offer a token of thanks to the hard working volunteers who help make our community a safer environment for everyone.”

For more information about visiting, volunteering or supporting the safety centre ring (01202) 591330 or visit www.streetwise.org.uk