Entertainment
Eddie Kadi (Comedian and TV presenter): “I’m honoured to be part of the vinspired National Awards – the work these volunteers do is unbelievable and they should all be really proud to be here tonight. v is a great cause and celebrates young people’s volunteering achievements that often go unrecognised.”
Leigh Francis (a.k.a Keith Lemon, host of Celebrity Juice on ITV2): "It’s amazing be part of the vinspired National Awards – Congratulations to all of the well-deserved winners!"
Michelle De Swarte (TV Presenter and Model):“I’m thrilled about becoming an ambassador for v. Volunteering is something that is close to my heart, having given my time both in the UK and abroad for a variety of causes. Now more than ever, it’s a great way for young people to use their spare time to gain valuable skills and do something good in the community.”
Kevin Spacey (actor and artistic director of the Old Vic Theatre): "To all those at vinspired we appreciate so much the help you have given us (Old Vic Tunnels). We are delighted to have this partnership, long may it continue not just for us but for all the organisations that you believe in and are stepping up for; good on you!"
Kimberly Wyatt (Judge on Got to Dance and Singer/Dancer): “I feel that the vinspired National Awards is a beautiful movement, with so many people giving back and inspiring the younger communities. Working with the vinspired volunteers has been an amazing opportunity and hopefully I have helped to inspire them as it’s everything I live for.”
Simon Reeve (author and TV presenter): "When I left school I had very few qualifications and no idea what I would do with my life. I decided I wanted to do something positive with my time while I was looking for a job, so I started volunteering, running charity shops. It was fun, interesting, gave me a sense of the wider world, and gave me self-confidence that really helped me to find a job and a career. So I can't recommend volunteering highly enough. It helps the volunteer, and it helps our entire society. The work of v is vital and magnificent, and we should all be supporting and congratulating volunteers and volunteering. Give it a go! Help make yourself and the world a better place!"
Joe Thomas (The Inbetweeners): "In the first place I'm inspired by the sheer generosity of these volunteers. But I think I'm actually most impressed by the grownupness of their belief that they can affect the world around them - not just the world of their families and friends, but the world of people they've never met. I think that's a rare thing, and that it is admirable."
Emily Head (The Inbetweeners): "The work that these volunteers do for others is unbelievable, they should all be really proud of being nominated for an award. We wanted to join in one of the acting workshops to highlight the fun opportunities that are out there for potential volunteers – it doesn’t have to be boring, you can get involved with whatever you’re passionate about!"
Miquita Oliver (presenter): “vinspired is changing the face of volunteering. Fashion Favours is a great chance for people to work with some of the best people in the fashion business, either learning from them at the workshops on online at vinspired.com – all while doing a favour."
Miquita Oliver modelling former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown's shirt for v's Fashion Favours:
Dave Berry (presenter): "The Enemy have been planting trees with vinvolved - they thought there weren't enough urban green spaces, and that was what they wanted to get out of it. But equally, it'd be great to play a bit of football, great to make a movie, great to make a radio show, great to make a little bit of music - that's what people like. By volunteering with vinvolved, you can bring experience to your own life and you can bring some happiness to other people's."
James Redmond (ex Casualty and Hollyoaks): “Being involved with the vinspired national awards has made me realise how many different and diverse volunteering opportunities are out there. Volunteering is a brilliant way of doing something you enjoy whilst benefitting your community and improving your life skills."
