CHARITIES, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers will be honoured on Monday 25 November, as part of this year’s Welsh Charity Awards at National Museum Cardiff, which coincides on the first day of Welsh Charities Week. Flying the flag for Swansea will be two of the three nominees in the keenly contested Volunteer of the Year category, with the third nominee also providing vital support in the town.
Hazel Lim is a Swansea-based nominee, whose remarkable work with the Chinese Autism Community Interest Company (CACIC) has transformed support for Chinese families with autistic children, providing bilingual resources, reducing isolation, and bridging cultural gaps in healthcare, education and wider society.
In less than a year, Matthew Steele has become an indispensable volunteer at Mixtup, a Swansea youth club for young people with mixed abilities, providing constant support, and creating a welcoming environment for those in his care.
Carmen Soraya Kelly (known as Soraya) from Barry, is also nominated, but also supports disadvantaged children, young people and families in Swansea through The Gloves Are On charity, as well as the Vale of Glamorgan, Cardiff, and Bridgend.
Organised by WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action), the Welsh Charity Awards is the only dedicated awards ceremony to celebrate the entire voluntary sector in Wales, championing the positive difference made by people like Hazel, Matthew and Soraya. The Volunteer of the Year category is sponsored by The Open University in Wales.
Having been nominated for her work, Hazel Lim told WCVA: “This nomination from WCVA is a tremendous honour, recognising not just my journey but the resilience and strength of the entire neurodivergent Chinese community.
“Winning would empower me to keep moving forward, knowing that our work matters, and would shine a light on the importance of inclusive, culturally sensitive support.
“I hope this recognition sparks greater awareness and understanding for all minority communities facing unique challenges.”
On learning of his nomination, Matt Steele told WCVA: “This unexpected nomination is truly an award within itself. I am more than honoured and plan to use this recognition to further encourage others to dedicate their time and understanding towards such a worthy community.”
Also commenting, was nominee Soraya, who said: “I’m delighted to be nominated at this year’s Welsh Charity Awards, as it offers an opportunity for us to draw attention to the work of the charity, which will hopefully inspire others to join us or to make a difference in their own communities.”
Speaking ahead of this year’s ceremony at National Museum Cardiff, WCVA’s Chief Executive Lindsay Cordery-Bruce said: “We’re delighted to have had a record number of nominations this year – 239 in total.
“That’s testimony to the quality work undertaken by volunteers, community groups and charities the length and breadth of our country. I couldn’t be more excited to meet them on 25 November at National Museum Cardiff – and find out who’s scooped the top awards.”
The Welsh Charity Awards celebrate just some of the amazing stories of the difference made by charities and volunteers across Wales. For the full list of finalists, please visit the Welsh Charity Awards website.
