Volunteers at the Genesis Project in Middlesbrough have been awarded the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, known as ‘the MBE for volunteer groups’. It is one of 262 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the prestigious award this year. On Tuesday 30th January, more than 30 volunteers were presented with their awards by the Lord Lieutenant of North Yorkshire, Jo Ropner.
The Genesis Project, lead by the Revd Kath Dean, is a community hub in Grove Hill, Middlesbrough. Beginning as a kids’ club, the Genesis Project has grown into a vital local resource, providing for both the material and spiritual needs of the community. From their base at St Oswald’s Church Hall, Kath and the team offer a safe social space, kids clubs, and holiday clubs with food, toys, and clothes supplied and donated by both local and national businesses. The Eco Shop, run by Shaun Sidgwick, provides the equivalent of a full week’s shop – food, toiletries, household essentials – for £4.
David Kerfoot, a Deputy Lieutenant who assessed the Genesis Project for the King’s Award, said, “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a group of people more deserving of this award. When I walked through that door, the thing that struck me was how enthusiastic everyone is. Everyone works so well together – the effort, support, and compassion for the community is so special.”
Receiving the certificate and award crystal, Kath said, “All the glory goes to God in this. This is such a special award, and in my 70th year, it’s telling me, “you’re not past it yet!” A lot of the volunteers came here first for help, and now they’re helping others. That’s what Genesis is about – it’s not just about feeding people and giving people clothes, it’s about lifting people up.”
