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League of Mercy Award for Oxted volunteer
Abbeyfield Volunteer Joan Caden has been given a national award for her services to volunteering with elderly people in the county. Oxted resident Joan was honoured with a League of Mercy medal for her work with national housing charity Abbeyfield at a ceremony in London on 4 June.
Volunteering has been a part of Mrs Caden’s life for more than 20 years, after she heard about Abbeyfield by chance at a Christmas drinks party. Soon after, Joan signed up to volunteer as a ‘coffee lady’ at David Gresham House in Oxted. Since becoming involved in the charity, Mrs Caden has worked her way up to the become Chairman of Abbeyfield’s South East Region in 2006. She is also the Vice President of the Abbeyfield North Downs Society Ltd having previously served as chairman for 11 years.
The award recognises Mrs Caden’s devotion and fundraising efforts for Abbeyfield – as Chairman she helped to raise £2.7 million for a new wing and refurbishment of David Gresham House in Oxted. The Hallmarked silver award was presented by Sir Robert Balchin at The Mansion House, and watched by the Lady Mayoress of the City of London. Mrs Caden said: “I’m absolutely thrilled to have won this award. Giving my time to Abbeyfield over the years has been a pleasure.”
Chief Executive of Abbeyfield Paul Allen said: “We are proud and honoured that Mrs Caden has devoted her time working for Abbeyfield. Volunteers are crucial to the wellbeing of our residents and the success of our organisation, and we are always eager to hear from anyone who is interested in helping us.”
Established over 100 years ago, The League of Mercy awards individuals who have volunteered unpaid to help others for more than seven years. The Hallmarked silver medal is given to a maximum of 50 people a year. Fellow Abbeyfield volunteer Millie Gresham also attended the ceremony after winning the League of Mercy medal for her services to the charity last year. Both Millie and Joan are still active volunteers for Abbeyfield in Oxted.
Article Created: Tuesday, June 17, 2008
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