Young volunteers were honoured at the sixth Jewish Care Youth Leadership Awards ceremony at Redbridge Jewish Community Centre.
The event, hosted by leadership co-ordinator Ashley Williams, paid tribute to Redbridge's young volunteers who are involved with the community through the Motivation, Inspiration, Knowledge and Education leadership programme. A 200-strong audience saw certificates presented to the 70 young volunteers while the Mike Rishon programme saw 32 participants receive Bronze Youth Achievement awards. A further nine volunteers were presented with Jack Petchey awards for being outstanding achievers.
The most prestigious award of the evening, the Saul Keene award for excellence in leadership, was given to Ian Grant for his commitment to the centre and his dedication to volunteering with younger children.
Saul Keene's brother, Danny, said: "For those of you here that knew my late brother Saul, you will know how important being a youth leader at Redbridge Club was to him. It was an integral part of his life for many years and something that he did with a love, purpose and vigour which made him a truly unique and inspirational leader and figure for many of the club members who encountered him."
Overjoyed with his award, Mr Grant said: "Volunteering means so much to us all. Although we give a lot to the community, we feel they give us a lot in return. From weekends away, to leading sessions independently, the experience has increased my confidence. We could not want for a better opportunity to develop our leadership skills."
Richard Shone, RJCC manager, said: "There was a great atmosphere at the event, professional yet a great youth club feel to the evening. These young volunteers represent our future and it is my hope that for many of them this is just the beginning of a life-long involvement in Jewish leadership."
The Mike programme is a weekly leadership training programme for youngsters which starts in year nine.
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