Ross Kemp launches Cheers for Volunteers

Kemp launched ‘Cheers for Volunteers’ by serving drinks to local volunteers from Royal Voluntary Service, Girlguiding, Rickmansworth Waterways Trust and Pumpkin Wildlife Trust, at the Feathers Pub in Rickmansworth, as the third annual Thank You Day focuses on the unsung heroes that make our communities great.

Ross said a big ‘Cheers for Volunteers’ to celebrate a bumper year for volunteering, after more than 7 million got involved in the Big Help Out during the Coronation weekend - the largest single day of community mobilisation in British history. 

Volunteers from local charities were treated to drinks and toasted by Ross who said: “These are true heroes, these people here. They give up their free time willingly to help other people, and I think that’s something that deserves to be celebrated.”

 “We don’t volunteer for recognition, it’s rewarding to be able to give back and help others. Receiving a thanks for our efforts or cheers is always the icing on the cake!”

Preeti Shetty, Royal Voluntary Service Volunteer Coordinator at Mill End Lunch Club

Thank You Day organisers are calling on the public to do three things:

• Use the day to come together with your communities - doesn’t matter if it’s a picnic, a bbq, a concert or family fun day - what matters is that we come together and strengthen the ties that bind
• Invite the unsung heroes and volunteers you want to thank for going the extra mile
• And get them a drink - raise a glass or a mug to those who give their time and energy to do extraordinary things every day. Say a big ‘Cheers for Volunteers’
  
  

“This year and every year, millions of our friends and neighbours give their time and energy to help make our communities better, brighter places to live. We really saw it when more than seven million got involved in the Big Help Out for the Coronation. They cook, clean, teach and support from charity shops to foodbanks, football pitches to scout huts.

"Volunteering to help others has always been a central part of our national character from the Blitz to Covid, but we’ve not always been quite so good at recognising that effort and showing our appreciation. That’s what Thank You Day is all about.

“So this Sunday we are calling on the whole nation to get involved by getting together and raising a glass to the people who make a difference. It doesn’t matter if it’s an orange juice or something stronger, what matters is that we take the time to say thanks. I’ll be kicking things off by pulling pints for the Royal Voluntary Service – and I want you to join me. Let’s say a huge thank you to the unsung heroes, let’s raise a glass and say ‘Cheers for Volunteers’ this Thank You Day."

 Ross Kemp

“This Thank You Day, I will certainly be raising a mug in celebration of the remarkable volunteers across the country and their unwavering commitment to helping others. I’d like to extend heartfelt cheers and thanks to all volunteers who lend a helping hand to make a difference. Thank you for all you do, you are truly extraordinary.”

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service

For further information