Celebrating Vicky – Gloucestershire’s Volunteer of the Year!

We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Vicky, one of our much-loved lead volunteers, has been named Volunteer of the Year at the Gloucestershire Volunteering Awards 2025! 🎉

A true pillar of our community

For more than eight years, Vicky has given her time, warmth, and leadership to Gloucester Foodbank. She oversees our Elim Church Hub with dedication, ensuring that each week, essential support reaches people in need across Gloucester.

Listening, learning, and making change

What makes Vicky truly special is her thoughtful understanding of the people we support. As described in her award nomination:

“She identified gaps in the foodbank’s offerings… recognising that the standard parcels didn’t meet the cultural and dietary needs of many clients. In response, Vicky worked tirelessly to ensure food options were more inclusive, including catering to halal diets and offering alternatives to British tinned staples.”

By ensuring our food parcels reflect halal options alongside familiar items, Vicky has helped everyone feel respected, supported, and included.

Giving back in so many ways

Vicky’s kindness doesn’t stop with the Foodbank. She also volunteers with the Gloucestershire Family History Society and at the Heritage Hub, showing her deep care for our local community and history.

Why it matters

At Gloucester Foodbank, we believe that “providing a simple box of food can make a big difference”—offering hope, dignity, and a way forward. Thanks to Vicky’s dedication and compassion, this belief becomes a reality for local people every week.

Vicky’s award is a wonderful reminder of how powerful volunteering can be. We want to say a huge thank you to her, and to all the incredible volunteers who help us fight hunger and hardship in Gloucester. Together, we are making a difference.

Special mention: Lifetime achievement award finalist

We would like to also show our thanks and great admiration for Gerry, who was a finalist for the Lifetime Achievement Award. This prestigious award marks the lifetime dedication of amazing community heroes that have shown their love and support for their community is at the heart of what they do.

Gerry really deserved this nomination, starting our in a soup kitchen in the 1980’s all the way to managing our warehouse for over 10 years. Gerry, you are OUR Lifetime Achiever that is for sure!

👏 Please join us in celebrating Vicky and Gerry’s remarkable achievement!

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