Stephen Currie, who has been volunteering for St Barnabas Hospice for over five years, has been nominated for the coveted Volunteer of the Year Award at this year’s BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Make a Difference awards.
Stephen lives in Washingborough and started his volunteering journey with St Barnabas at Lincoln’s High Street South charity shop. He worked there for four years with manager Joanne, who nominated him for this award. 
Stephen is currently working at Lincoln’s Burton Road shop, while Joanne moved to a different charity where he also volunteers. He can be found at Burton Road several days a week, whilst also taking on extra shifts as a volunteer leader on days shop manager Karen is unavailable.
Stephen says: “I am very honoured to be shortlisted for this award, it shows the hard work we do as volunteers is truly appreciated.”
About his volunteering work, he comments: “It is great being part of a network of volunteers that help to raise funds for the Hospice, and I am doing the best I can to inspire others, as volunteers are the backbone of charities. Raising funds for charities is so rewarding and makes you feel valued.
“I have been able to do so much that I wouldn’t have done otherwise, for instance I worked at the Waterside Fashion Show two years in a row, volunteered in day-care centres, and much more.
“I also joined the St Barnabas Social Group Committee, where I helped organise events and trips for staff and volunteers until we sadly had to stop because of Covid. It has been such a great experience.
“A happy shop means happy volunteers and staff with happy customers, which in turn better raises funds for the organisation and I’m proud to be part of it!”
The local winners for the BBC Make a Difference Awards will be announced during a ceremony in September. Good luck, Stephen!
Volunteers are needed in almost all St Barnabas charity shops across Lincolnshire, of which there are 26, and we welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.
If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, click here to find out more and register your interest.
Below pictured left to right: St Barnabas’ Wayne Banks, Debbie Robinson, and Stephen at the Lincoln High Street South shop
