Leeds City Council hosted a celebration event on 25th April 2025 for the volunteers of Leeds to highlight their contributions to the city. The then Lord Mayor, Abigail Marshall Katung, attended the event and addressed the importance of the volunteers and the amazing differences they make in Leeds with a heartfelt speech. Outstanding contribution certificates were presented to the volunteers and over 80 nominations were received.  

Debuting under the banner of Volunteer Team Leeds, the event recognised the shared brand for volunteering across all sectors of the city. Volunteer Team Leeds’ ethos is to connect all volunteers, no matter the organisation, to create a connected volunteer community that is recognised for their essential roles in supporting Leeds’ communities. Volunteers are key in supporting the city of Leeds and its diverse range of events such as the Light Night and Leeds International Film Festival. 

Andrina Dawson, the Volunteering and Capacity Building Manager, for Volunteering at VAL, attended the Volunteers Celebration Event and expressed her joy at the privilege of being able to honour the city’s volunteers with a dedicated event.  

“The power of kindness is a wonderful thing. Volunteering reminds me that our communities are filled with many kind and generous people who give their time for the benefit of others. I am proud to be a part of enabling this collective movement of kindness and want to reiterate my thanks to all our volunteers.” 

Voluntary Action Leeds