The Jewish Volunteering Network (JVN) hosted its largest-ever Celebrating Volunteering Awards on Sunday, 19 January 2025, at The Grove Hotel in Hertfordshire. With 350 guests, 105 award submissions, and representation from 53 charities, this year’s event was a record-breaking celebration—an 18% rise in nominations and a 50% increase in participating charities compared to 2023.
The awards also marked 18 years since JVN’s founding. In Hebrew, the number 18 symbolises ‘Chai,’ meaning life—a fitting tribute to JVN’s work in bringing volunteering to life for individuals and communities. This theme, ‘Volunteering Brought to Life,’ was beautifully captured in a new film by BBC director David Coleman, premiered during the event.
Distinguished speakers included JVN Chairman Daniel Levy, who shared a personal letters from the King’s private secretary and President of Israel Isaac Herzog, alongside JLC Chair Keith Black and JVN co-founder Susan Winton. Community compère Nigel Rothband ensured the afternoon flowed smoothly, blending moments of inspiration with celebration.
The awards recognised exceptional contributions across four categories: Volunteer of the Year, Volunteer Team of the Year, Young Adult Volunteer of the Year, and the Lifetime Achievement Award. Each category showcased the extraordinary dedication and talent within the volunteering community, honouring individuals and teams who make a lasting impact.
Nicky Goldman JVN’s Chief Executive commented; “It was heartwarming and inspiring to celebrate the incredible contributions of volunteers at the JVN Awards. As we mark JVN’s 18th year, it’s amazing to reflect on how far we’ve come since Judy Citron z”l and Susan Winton first envisioned JVN around Judy’s kitchen table.
The event brought together winners and charities from across the Jewish community and beyond, showcasing the power of volunteering to transform lives. With 47% of Jewish adults more likely to volunteer monthly*, far above the national average of 33%, our community is leading the way in giving back.
We encouraged everyone to inspire one friend or family member to try volunteering in 2025 and help grow this remarkable movement. Thank you to the charities and volunteers who make this all possible—your dedication to volunteering is the true heart of JVN.”
[*Community Life Survey 2023-24, DCMS]
An independent judging panel, headed by Dame Mary Marsh, studied each nomination submission individually and chose the outstanding winners from each category.
With its record-breaking achievements and inspiring stories, the 2024 JVN Celebrating Volunteering Awards underscored the enduring power of volunteering and its ability to bring communities together.
The outstanding winners:
The Citron, Sefton and Sivan Family Outstanding Lifetime Achievement Volunteer of the Year Award: Shirley Lane, JLGB.
Wohl Legacy Outstanding Volunteer of the Year Award: Dalia Rudolph, Camp Simcha
Outstanding Volunteer Team of the Year Award: House of Life Team, Willesden Jewish Cemetery
Edwards Family Foundation Outstanding Young Adult Volunteer of the Year Award: Ruth Klajman, Gift.
DOWNLOAD >> You can read about all the charity award winners by downloading the brochure for the event here
