The award ceremony took place on Tuesday, December 8, at the State Music School. The “Volunteers of the Year” titles were awarded for the first time, but the event is intended to be held regularly. – In this way, we want to say “thank you” to all those who devote their time, work and heart to helping people in need – said District Governor Cezary Przybylski. – We are participating in a very important process: the creation of a truly civic society in Poland. A society in which caring about another person’s fate is the duty not only of officials, but also of people who, driven by the needs of their hearts, want to fight suffering, loneliness and hunger.
The Deputy District Governor Stanisław Chwojnicki and District Board member Dariusz Kwaśniewski shared the same view. – We knew that volunteers from Bolesławiec County should be honored. Their selfless work fully deserves respect and recognition – the Deputy District Governor stated. – I am aware of how important gestures of this kind are. Every effort should be made to ensure that the next ceremony awarding the title of “Volunteer of the Year” is held on an even grander scale.
The titles of “Volunteers of the Year” were awarded to:
- Kazimierzowi Zmitrukiewiczowi (Polish Committee for Social Assistance. Charitable Association. Municipal and Communal Board)
- Elżbiecie Niemiec (Parish Caritas Group)
- Wojciechowi Torowi (Occupational Therapy Workshops in Bolesławiec)
- Marii Szpak (Association of People with Disabilities)
- Zenonowi Kalinowskiemu (Friends of Children Society. Municipal Branch in Bolesławiec)
- Andrzejowi Galantowi (Bolesławiec Abstainers’ Association “Przemiana”)
- Joannie Sawickiej (Polish Scouting and Guiding Association. Lower Silesian Scout and Guide Banner. “Szare Szeregi” Scout District in Bolesławiec)
- Ewie Tatarek (Polish Diabetes Association. Local Branch in Bolesławiec)
- Janowi Mosiądzowi (Association of Parents of Children and Young People with Special Needs in Bolesławiec)
- Monice Małolepszej (Polish Red Cross. District Board in Bolesławiec)
- Bogdanowi Fiałkowskiemu (Association of Former Soldiers of the 62nd Special Company “Commando”)
– I was completely surprised – said Monika Małolepsza. – I have worked with the Polish Red Cross for over eight years, since middle school. When I finish my studies, I will return to Bolesławiec and continue my volunteer work – the Volunteer of the Year assured.
Joanna Sawicka was nominated for the award by the Polish Scouting and Guiding Association. The nomination statement read: “Thanks to her commitment, consistency and dedication to those under her care, her troop is one of the best in the history of the Bolesławiec scout district.” – I am surprised both by the distinction and by the laudation. The Volunteer of the Year title is a wonderful award, but what makes me happiest is when I happen to meet my now-adult former charges, who have turned out to be wonderful people – Joanna SawickaJoanna Sawicka noted.
The ceremony was enhanced by performances by students of the State Music School and female vocalists from the Youth Cultural Centre.
The ceremony was organized by the District Office in Bolesławiec, the Youth Cultural Centre and the State Music School. Bolesławiec County thanks the sponsors of the awards, as well as Andrzejowi Laudańskiemu, owner of the “Nowa” confectionery, Fabryce Naczyń Kamionkowych “Manufaktura” Smoleński & Zwierz and Zakładom Ceramicznym Bolesławiec.
(information: District Office/ii)