Nearly 50 people turned up to the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre on June 18 to celebrate the impact of volunteering in Thames.
It was a time to thank the hundreds of people who contribute volunteer time to filling the gaps in services and creating a more supportive community.
The ripple effect of volunteering in inspiring societal change was the theme of the guest speech.
Guest speaker Andrew Connaughton, of Never Surrender Boxing Gym and a volunteer in the fields of youth activities, sport and community fundraising, told the audience volunteering had a massive effect beyond just the few hours an individual contributes.
“Volunteering shapes our culture where helping each other is seen as normal. Young people grow up and see kindness in action, and feel empowered to do the same.
“It starts with one small act, but before you know it, you’ve touched thousands of lives,” he said.
