Published: Thursday 3 September 2020
Twenty-six selfless servants of the Kensington and Chelsea community have had their efforts recognised with a Mayor’s Award.
The recipients were put forward by members of the public and chosen by a judging panel to receive an award due to their outstanding dedication to improving the lives of the borough’s residents.
Among the worthy winners are people working with the bereaved and survivors of the Grenfell tragedy and founders of voluntary initiatives including youth football programmes, charities, cultural groups and neighbourhood organisations.
Ximena Chiesa received an award for her support for the borough’s older residents through Age UK Kensington and Chelsea. She said:
“It’s an honour to receive this Mayor’s Award, especially after seven years working at Age UK trying to provide community spirit and reducing isolation and loneliness. It means I am doing the correct thing and know we are making a huge difference. This is a pleasure and an honour to remind me that I am doing good things for the community.”
Inge Marks, who was recognised for her contribution to the Earl’s Court area, said:
“Earls Court is such a wonderful, positive place to live and it's been a joy to contribute to this vibrant community by combining two of my biggest passions: the arts and inspiring children. Raising money for local charities in the process makes it even better!”
Decades of work for Earl’s Court Youth Club earned Abdi Aden a Mayor’s Award. He said:
“I am most grateful to receive this award because it symbolises the ability of Earls Court Youth Club to positively impact the borough as a whole. I feel I am only one part of a greater team that works so hard to support its amazing community.”
Liberty Venn who was fundamental to the success of the London Children’s Book Project said,
"This year the Children's Book Project has seen a huge leap in local support amongst families, schools, book shops, businesses and from both individual and corporate volunteers. We place Kensington and Chelsea at the heart of everything we do and to have received a Mayor's Award is the icing on the cake for a young charity like ours. We are absolutely thrilled!"
Councillor Will Pascall, who was the Mayor of Kensington and Chelsea for 2019-20, said:
“Mayor’s Awards have been given to people of many different ages and backgrounds from all over Kensington and Chelsea. This is reflective of the rich diversity of our borough, and the key role that those who work, or volunteer here play in supporting and strengthening our communities.”
The winners of the 2019-20 awards were told of their success in March, but a planned ceremony was cancelled due to the Coronavirus pandemic and certificates have now been issued by post.
Profiles of all Mayor’s Awards winners can be found here.