The invaluable contributions of volunteers and supporting partners were recognised by the Bedford based international charity, SEVA Trust UK at an awards evening and community dinner at Kempston Rovers Football Clubhouse.
Speical guests at the event included Baroness Young of Scone (Member House of Lords, chair of Woodland Trust, former vice chair of the BBC, chair of CQC, Chancellor of Cranfield University, and advisor to SEVA Trust), Mohammad Yasin (Labour MP for Bedford & Kempston) and Jagtar Singh Basi OBE (chair NHS Trust and Police Audit & Finance, former Fire Chief Officer for Bedfordshire & Luton).
The eveing was attended by senior members of local communities, with representatives from over 20 leading charities and voluntary organisations of Bedford involving gurdwaras, temples, sports clubs, youth groups, UNISON East Anglia Branch, representatives of local businesses, volunteers and the supporting partners of SEVA Trust.
While welcoming the panel of guests, the Trustee Kunwarjeet Pannu and vice-chair of SEVA Trust Dr Baljit Upadhyay said: “We feel truly proud celebrating great volunteering achievements, strengthening our community cohesion and diversity of our great town Bedford and recognising the amazing work delivered by the volunteers of SEVA Trust UK in England and India for the past seven years, especially during COVID-19.”
Charan Sekhon MBE, the founder chairman of SEVA Trust, highlighted the work of the charity throughout Bedfordshire.
He said: “During the pandemic, our team of volunteers delivered 5000+ food parcels, 3000+ hot meals, supported over 750 international students, over 350 families, 55 people facing homelessness, vulnerable women and victims of domestic abuse, over 10 joint projects with other charities and distributed £4,000+ donations and food stock provided to other charities working in Bedford.”
In additiona, in India, SEVA Trust has already supported over 37,000 students, completed 23 health check surgeries and 21 blood donation camps, skills devolvement program for over 300 women and girls from disadvantaged communities, plantation of over 3,000 trees and a large number of educational, health and environmental workshops in the north of the country.
“SEVA Trust operates on the concept of SEVA (selfless service) without a single paid staff in our charity,” said Charan.
“The work delivered by SEVA Trust in the past seven years in Bedfordshire and India is phenomenal and I would like to convey my sincere thanks to all volunteers and our supporting partners.
“Today’s evening is not just about SEVA Trust volunteers but a true community celebration of collective team effort by all. My special thanks also go to Kempston Rovers Football Club for their great support for this event.”
SEVA Trust Volunteering Awards were given by Baroness Young to 12 volunteers and six youth volunteers who worked exceptionally hard to support local families.
One of the recipients, Shivangi, was an international student at Bedfordshire University.
“Like me, many students faced really hard times during lockdown, we had no part-time work and were unable to pay our fees or cover living expenses.
“It was SEVA Trust that came forward and supported many students in Luton, Bedford and Cranfield for over one year and I started volunteering with SEVA and after I completed my studies and found a job, I decided to devote more time for SEVA Trust.
“I cannot repay the help I got from SEVA Trust during the challenging times but I am now trying to give something back.”
15 organisations, community groups and individuals received ‘Special Recognition Awards’ from MP Mohammad Yasin for their great support for SEVA Trust and other charities in Bedfordshire and two Media Awards were given to senior press and media reporters for supporting charitable efforts of SEVA Trust & many other charities in England & India.
In addition, the event organising committee Baljit, Kunwar, Satnam, Sati, Devinder and Deshwinder received a ‘Special Token of Appreciation’ presented by Jagtar Singh Basi OBE.
Baroness Young of Scone thanked all volunteers for their commitment and commended the life-changing work SEVA Trust delivers without any paid staff.
The presentation was followed by a three course Indian dinner and raffle which raised £300 for charitable projects.
You can find out more about SEVA Trust on their website or through their social media channels.
