One of the longest serving managers at The Centre, Livingston, has received a special award for her charity work and volunteering.
Helen Newton, who works at Barclays Diamonds, has received a special Volunteer Award in recognition of her outstanding charity work and volunteering at a local foodbank.
Helen, who has worked in the store at the shopping centre for 26 years was nominated by her colleague Eunice McMichael who has worked with her for six years and watched her continue to provide support to so many different good causes since she started.
Eunice said: “I’m in awe of the fantastic work that Helen does to help lots of people, whether it is seeking donations for foodbanks, sponsoring people or even latterly, helping someone get to work safely each week – she’s always giving back!
“If Helen hears about any charity, or anyone in need of help, she champions herself and everyone around her to get involved.
“As soon as I heard about The Centre’s Volunteer Awards, I immediately put her forward as she really does deserve recognition and being rewarded for the fantastic work she does. Helen works full time in the Barclays Diamonds store but still finds the time to help others.”
Helen, who took part in the Race for Life Challenge at Hopetoun House with her family to raise money for a cancer charity, said: “Cancer has an effect on nearly every family, or knows someone who has cancer.
“This is very personal and close to my heart. So, taking part in this event is not only rewarding to myself but rewarding to my family.
“Huge thank you to everyone who has supported me in all of my fundraising and charity work and especially to Eunice for putting me forward for this Award, which came as a big surprise.
“Thanks also to The Centre, Livingston – it really was a very special moment to be presented with the framed certificate, Gift Card voucher and a lovely bouquet of flowers too.”
The Volunteer Awards were established by The Centre, Livingston and the West Lothian Courier with the aim of paying tribute to people who have gone the extra mile in the community and reward them with a framed, personalised certificate and £100 Gift Card, which can be spent at over 90 stores and all restaurants in the shopping centre.
Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, said: “Presenting Helen with our Volunteer Award was a real honour, especially as she is always helping others.
“One of the main reason we set up the Awards was to ensure people like Helen are recognised for the brilliant work they do and reward them with a special, well-deserved gift of a £100 voucher to treat themselves.”
If you know someone who spends their free time helping people in the community and you’d like to nominate them for the Volunteer Award, as well as a framed
certificate and a £100 Gift Card to spend at The Centre, Livingston, please send an email to debbie.hall@reachplc.com along with the reasons for your nomination.
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