Isle of Wight Search and Rescue – more commonly known as WightSAR – has been named as a recipient of The King’s Award for Voluntary Service (KAVS) for 2024.
The KAVS Award is the equivalent of receiving an MBE and is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK.
WightSAR was set up in 2011 and now has grown to a team of 32 professional volunteers. The service is funded entirely by voluntary donations and grant awards.
Dean Terrett BEM, WightSAR’s founder and chairman, has said:
“This has been achieved through the dedication of WightSAR’s volunteers, this award marks a milestone in excellence and recognition for the team’s work. As you can imagine, the team are elated to receive such recognition.
“We would like to take the opportunity to thank the Isle of Wight community for their continued support”.
Another Island charity has been named as a recipient of The King’s Award too – South Wight Area Youth Partnership (SWAY).
SWAY volunteers work tirelessly to support young people in the south of the Isle of Wight. Volunteers mentor children in schools, run regular activities and clubs each week, work with families and schools, and lead a variety of expeditions and camps at weekends and school holidays, including a week-long visit to the Lake District.
The group has raised more than £600,000 to build a community hub in Chale, which is expected to open next April.
Lord-Lieutenant of the Isle of Wight, Susie Sheldon, has said:
“The amount of voluntary work carried out on the Island never ceases to amaze me.
“We have over 1,500 voluntary and community organisations, and I am delighted that another two of our wonderful groups have been recognised with this award.”
Congratulations to you all. Very well deserved.