A local woman in her late 70s has been awarded an ultimate care package from UK clothing retailer, Chums, in recognition of her tireless commitment to the community and her years of volunteer work.
Morag Caunt, from North Yorkshire, has been described as a pillar of her community due in no small part to her lifelong dedication to supporting the young and vulnerable.
Although retired, Morag volunteers her time running writing workshops for young people and prisoners and has published novels relating to the struggles that vulnerable young people face in their day-to-day lives.
She also previously worked with the charity SASH (Safe And Sound Housing) in York, which helps young, homeless people find temporary lodgings to run a writing competition. The competition entries were judged by British novelist, Ross Raisin.
The prize comes from a leading UK clothing retailer specifically designed for shoppers aged 60 and above who were on the lookout for unsung heroes within their local communities who may not have received the recognition they deserve.
Chums introduced the competition earlier this year and encouraged UK residents to submit
nominations for an elderly person in their lives who they believed deserved recognition as an
everyday hero and an example to the younger generation.
Paul Grey, Marketing Director of Chums, spoke about the competition and how the company wanted to give people the chance to show how much of a positive impact these community heroes have and to thank them for being so generous with their time, knowledge, and wit. The company also hopes to inspire others on the value of supporting your local community.
Each community hero Chums chose received the following as part of the package:
- A £100 Ryanair voucher
- Theatre tickets for 2
- A £100 Chums voucher
- A selection of other goodies, including chocolate
According to her close friend Rebecca Colby, who nominated Morag for the prize, the win came as a bit of a shock.
Rebecca remarkeded: “ I told her I had nominated her to boost her spirits. But being realistic, I told her she probably wouldn’t win, but I wanted her to know how highly she is thought of. Our lives are richer for helping others, and we reap what we sow.
“It only behoves all of us to invest in our local communities and strengthen them for the greater good of all. Thank you for this wonderful giveaway and the opportunity to recognise my dear friend. It’s so nice to see a huge “giver” be on the receiving end of goodwill for a change. “
Morag has yet to decide where she will visit using the flight voucher; however she has always wanted to visit Barcelona and plans to take her granddaughter to the theatre with her.
