A Night to Celebrate Our Brilliant Volunteers
On 10th September, we threw a party – and it wasn’t just any party. Our annual Volunteer Celebration brought together amazing people from all our mainland sites, and the room was buzzing with laughter and chatter – a wonderful sight to see.
From the moment everyone arrived, it felt like a family gathering – the kind where you immediately know who’s going to steal the last sausage from the BBQ and who’s the first to grab a cuppa. There’s something special about seeing people who give so much of their time across different ministries all in one place, swapping stories, laughing about mishaps, and celebrating wins both big and small.
After a short talk reflecting on the year’s highlights, we tucked into some much-deserved food and caught up with friends old and new. There was plenty of laughter over shared memories, and the evening really reminded us that volunteering isn’t just about what you do – it’s about the why you do it and the people you do it with.
No celebration would be complete without a little friendly competition, so a lively Beetle Drive soon had everyone rolling dice, drawing beetles, and trying not to cheat too blatantly. It was chaotic, fun, and just the kind of silly moment that makes evenings like this unforgettable.
Of course, the evening wouldn’t be complete without an awards ceremony. We didn’t just hand out medals – we celebrated each volunteer’s quirks and contributions with titles like Social Butterfly, Resilience Award, and Goal-Keeper Award. Some had everyone laughing, some had us nodding in admiration, and all of them reminded us of the huge variety of gifts and dedication our volunteers bring.
With our Kerith Revive selfie frame in action and plenty of photos shared under hashtags like #KerithRevive and #HopeInAction, the memories were captured for posterity (and maybe a few embarrassing moments too!).
By the end of the night, stomachs were full, cheeks ached from laughing, and hearts were full of gratitude. Every volunteer is part of something bigger – from food runs and budgeting courses to Café chatters and quiet acts behind the scenes. Your time, energy, and good humour are what make all of this possible.
So thank you, truly, for giving your all. You are the heartbeat of Kerith, and we can’t wait to see what the next year brings – preferably with more beetles, laughter, and maybe an extra donut or two.
P.S. If you fancy taking a peek at some highlights of the evening, head on over to our social media feeds on Facebook and Instagram
With much love, Sarah