The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector held the National Volunteer Award for the fourth consecutive year under the patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca at the Palace, Valletta. Three new awards were presented: the Youth Volunteer Award, the Volunteer Organisation Award and the Corporate Volunteering Award.

The aim of the awards is to give broad recognition to work by volunteers and voluntary organisations within the community, create awareness of exemplary values with the goal of locating role models for youth and wider society and to recognise important contributions.

The awards were presented by the President, accompanied by Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector chairman Nathan Farrugia.

This year’s National Volunteer Award went to Ġemma Sirol, who has been a volunteer since she was 11 years old. An active member since 1967 and commissioner of the St John Ambulance, she also serves as a volunteer in various committees both in the local community and on government boards.

The Volunteer Organisation Award was presented to Hospice Malta. Through ongoing improvement and investment in its resources, this charitable organisation aspires to continue providing quality end-of-life care and bereavement support.

Gabriel Hammet received the Youth Volunteer Award. A volunteer with the St John Ambulance, Hammet dedicates most of his free time to cover as many duties as possible.

The Corporate Volunteering Award went to HSBC Malta Bank plc, which encourages employees to become more involved in the community as volunteers and supports them fully.

The event, presented by Fiorella Pace, featured singer Kurt Cassar and musician Michelle Paris on the Celtic harp, who played local traditional songs and Christmas carols.