Local youth charity Ruff & Ruby has been formally presented with the King’s Award for Voluntary Service in a ceremony led by Lord Lieutenant, Ian Dudson CBE.
The King’s Award is the highest award that a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. It recognises the charity’s work in energising, engaging and empowering young people to realise their value across Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire.
The ceremony, which took place at the DoubleTree by Hilton, was attended by Lord Lieutenant, Ian Dudson, patron Jan Williams, BBC presenter, Beccy Woods and Patron and actor, Rachel Shenton, who joined remotely via video link.
Speaking after being awarded the King’s Award, Dawn Reynolds, founder and CEO said: “We are honoured and delighted that our group’s work has been recognised – we wouldn’t be able to deliver our extensive work in the community & staff our all-age community hub in the Potteries centre, impacting the lives of young people as a homegrown local charity without our fantastic volunteers.
“We believe in investing in ‘lived experience’ and volunteers bring their ‘No struggle, no story ‘DNA to the table which we highly value.
“They work tirelessly to support young people & the wider community of Stoke on Trent from the age of 13-65 – they are incredible, passionate and loyal – wow, we are blessed.”
Find out more about the work of Ruff and Ruby, here.
