Leatherhead (January 23, 2006) -- Hundreds of people who have shown commitment to their communities were recognised yesterday at an ExxonMobil-sponsored awards ceremony celebrating the Year of the Volunteer. TV presenter June Sarpong, Coronation Street’s Sally Lindsay, Monarch of the Glen’s Dawn Steele and news anchor Jon Snow were amongst the celebrities helping to honour the volunteers at the ceremony, which also featured a message of support from Chancellor Gordon Brown.

2005 was the Year of the Volunteer, a celebration of the work people do to support their local schools, charities and other organisations, which was combined with a campaign to encourage more people to lend a helping hand. An awards event in January at London’s Theatre Royal on Drury Lane toasted England’s most dedicated volunteers.

In each of nine geographic regions, a shortlist was made up of 50 volunteers, before one champion was chosen for each of five categories: Commitment, Partnership, Innovation, Inspiration and Impact. The 45 regional champions attended the London event, where a nationwide champion was selected for each category.

Before the awards ceremony, attended by some 2000 people, lead country manager Robert Olsen spoke at a VIP reception to the volunteers, government members, Lord Levy, representatives from event organisers Community Service Volunteers and other opinion-formers.

Robert congratulated and thanked all the champions, before talking of ExxonMobil’s goal to strengthen communities and focus on programmes that make a difference to people’s lives.

He spoke about some of ExxonMobil’s recent volunteering initiatives, including the Day of Caring, and the company’s new ExxonMobil Energy Challenge, in partnership with CSV, which will focus on tackling fuel poverty through improving energy efficiency.

“We are used to taking on the world’s toughest energy challenges, but helping to develop prosperous, sustainable communities can also be a challenge,” he said. “We believe the answer is to muster all the human energy we can.

“Volunteering is not just one way. In our experience, people who volunteer have a lot to gain as well. It might be developing existing skills, learning new skills, making new friends, feeling good about doing something for someone else, or simply the chance to enjoy the countryside. Whatever it is, most people agree it’s great fun and hugely rewarding.”

To read Robert's speech in full, click here>>