YOUNG volunteers have been recognised for devoting more than 7,000 hours of their free time to community activities in and around Ripon.
The 44 students from Ripon Grammar School have committed a total of 300 days between them to being swimming and gymnastics coaches, helping disabled riders, working in charity shops and acting as peer mentors to fellow students.
The volunteers have earned the title of Lions Young Leaders in Service and each was presented with a certificate and badge by Jane Armitage, youth coordinator for the Yorkshire district Lions.
Mrs Armitage explained: “The idea is that young people get into the habit of volunteering by helping people in any way they can, whether that’s being a carer, doing the shopping for a neighbour or helping younger pupils in their school.”
Eve Turner, 15, of Sharow, led the field for completing 327 hours in a year by helping at her local stables every Sunday.
She was closely following by Eleanor McGregor, 15, of Leeming Bar, who helps with Riding for the Disabled at Catterick Garrison riding club.
“I go every Saturday for an hour and a half, so it’s taken a long time to build up to 326 hours,” she said.
The students’ involvement in the Lions programme was organised by PE teacher Helen Mackenzie, who has given much of her own time to volunteering.
She said: “I can’t emphasise enough how important it is to give a little bit back to your community, and this fantastic group of students have given so much.
“I like the saying, “a volunteer is not paid, not because they are worthless, but because they are priceless’.”
Mrs Armitage said the nation had taken to volunteering in much greater numbers since the London Olympics of 2012.
“As well as the value in helping their local community, this achievement is also something the students can add to their CV when they come to apply for university and jobs.
“Mrs Mackenzie is one of the greatest exponents of the Lions Young Leaders in Service award and has the biggest group of any in the district. I have never had to send in such an enormous request for certificates and badges before and all the students should be very proud of themselves.”
