Tomorrow: Meet the finalists in the Teacher of the Year category
It could be a parish official who is always there when needed, a member of a local youth or play group, someone who dedicates their services to a local church, or simply a local resident going that extra mile for their parish.
Jersey is one big community, and that is only made possible by the generous actions of these remarkable people – the very people who help to make our Island such a special place in which to live.
Meet the three finalists:
Gerry Padden and Vini Jones, Grace Trust
Parish: St Helier
Nominated by: Barbara Brown
TWO men described as a ‘great example of what it is to be good neighbours’ have made it to the final three in the Community Champions section of this year’s Pride of Jersey Awards.
Gerry Padden is the general manager of Grace Trust and Vini Jones is his deputy at the Christian charity which helps Islanders who have fallen on hard times or are simply in need of friendship.
NOMINATOR: Barbara Brown
Mrs Brown said it was a joy to nominate them as they deserve an award for the inspirational way they help others.
‘They deliver food parcels to needy families every month, which is when they can check on people who are struggling and can make sure that they are OK at the same time.
‘And there is the Park Life choir, which again gives many people enjoyment, not only those singing but also the audience.
‘Lunches are served every Saturday at St Paul’s Church and either Gerry or Vini are there to see that things run smoothly and they are always available at their office in Minden Place for a listening ear and an excellent cup of tea.
‘They don’t mind getting their hands dirty if it means helping others and they are not afraid to speak up for the less fortunate.
‘They work so well together and make a great team.’
NOMINEE: Gerry Padden and Vini Jones
What would it mean to you to win a Pride of Jersey award?
‘It would mean that there is a good awareness in Jersey of an agency that can help those within our Island who do struggle with what life brings their way.
‘That we can offer a place of community and belonging to those who may struggle to fit into the wider picture.
‘That we would be recognised by a public who themselves could well have brothers, sisters, mums, dads, sons and daughters who deserves a second chance of practical help, a listening ear, a bit of encouragement.
‘On the banner in our office it says “Our base in Minden Place, happy faces, boiling kettles, lots of laughs, lots of tears, hardship and fears, no promises but guaranteed hope” which is where we are at.’
What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Pride of Jersey award and to have received the backing of the public to reach the final three?
‘For us it’s a bit weird to be honest, because behind us are a whole load of volunteers who are the heartbeat of Grace Trust.
‘We oversee and organise and are people’s main point of reference I suppose, but without the volunteers, forget it, we would struggle.
‘So it would be a “team deal” here, really.
‘Working at Grace Trust is like nowhere else, in the folk who we come into contact with, sometimes their living conditions, their past history, current desperate situation. Then there is such a widespread background to the volunteers as well, each one with so much to offer – it is one big family.’
David Stokes
Parish: St Helier
Nominated by: Louise Stirling
NOMINATOR: Louise Stirling
What was it about David that made you want to nominate him for a Pride of Jersey award?
‘I have known David Stokes for over 15 years and his kindness, generosity, enthusiasm and community spirit has been an inspiration.
‘David gets involved with charity events as much as possible – holding collections in Bean Around the World, assisting in the organisation of events and will always provide raffle prizes, which are increasingly hard to come by.
‘Recently David has been involved with many projects that enhance the local community including Branchage Film Festival, The Jersey Street Pianos project, Peas and Glove festival and other flagship days for numerous charities.
‘His hugely successful and popular business, Bean Around the World, is so much more than a coffee shop.
‘It is a place for local artists to display their work and musicians to play.
‘The Bean is a unique and special place – it’s so much more than simply a business.
‘While working there during my 20s many customers expressed their gratitude for the ethos of the Bean.
‘Many members of the community experiencing mental health issues felt at home there.
‘It was a safe place they could spend time in without judgement.
‘The Bean has remained a firm favourite for many Islanders and holds a special place in so many people’s lives.’
NOMINEE: David Stokes
What would it mean to you to win a Pride of Jersey award?
‘I do feel a deep sense of pleasure being involved in the community of Jersey and St Helier, so in many ways that is reward enough.
‘In my time running the Bean, I have met so many people who want to get involved in their community as a way of, not only enriching their community and environment, but because they seem to get such a reward from doing so themselves.
‘Without these people none of this could ever happen so I would wish to give them all a massive thank you too!
‘I also have found being involved in such ‘not for profit’ events to be very liberating, though I recognise that I am lucky enough to be able to do so.
‘So what would it mean for me to win a Pride of Jersey award? I would have to say, I would feel very proud and privileged, and perhaps I would feel very glad that my family and friends might feel proud of me too.’
What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Pride of Jersey award and to have received the backing of the public to reach the final three?
‘I was really touched by my nomination by Louise Stirling at Headway Jersey, especially as we have known each other for so many years, which made it mean even more.
‘To have received the backing of the public in order to be shortlisted for the final three is, quite frankly, a real surprise.
‘There are so many deserving people out there.
Melissa Nobrega, Caring Cooks of Jersey
Parish: St Clement
Nominated by: Fiona O’Sullivan
NOMINATOR: Fiona O’Sullivan
What was it about Melissa that made you want to nominate her for a Pride of Jersey award?
‘Melissa is a completely selfless and kind person who started something that was initially very small, but has grown into a small army of people that she has brought together to help others.
‘It is because of her kind heart that so many people and families are getting the help they need.
‘It is because of her that someone going through an already difficult situation can sleep a little more easy at night knowing that there are still kind people in the world who want to help.’
What makes Melissa different from the others in this category or other neighbours in your community?
‘Melissa doesn’t do what she does as a job or for a pay cheque.
‘She does it because she is a genuinely kind person who wants to help others.
‘I have only known Melissa for a short time and from day one I was blown away by how kind and caring she is and how she puts complete strangers first.’
NOMINEE: Melissa Nobrega
What would it mean to you to win a Pride of Jersey award?
‘While I founded Caring Cooks of Jersey, it hasn’t grown into what it is today without the support of our volunteers and the people delivering the service.
‘To win the Pride of Jersey Award would be recognition for everyone involved, and we would be incredibly proud.
‘The award will also help us increase our reach in Jersey and make more families aware of the service, which is something which we have found a challenge.
‘We know there are families in need and not being able to reach them is both upsetting and frustrating especially knowing there are children who may be going hungry, often despite the best efforts of their parents.
‘We also want to continue the success of our schools programme with other schools, and the award will help us gain further credibility and traction with Education and States Members, to help us continue to tackle the real issues of hunger and malnutrition in children and families.’
What does it mean to you to have been nominated for a Pride of Jersey award and to have received the backing of the public to reach the final three?
‘Being nominated was a real shock and such an honour, and I was incredibly moved to know that I had made such an impact.
‘Then to have been voted to be in the final three for the award by the public, has literally blown me away.
‘I never really started out on this journey to form a charity that is quickly becoming an essential service to the Island, I just felt very passionate about wanting to help another family who weren’t quite as fortunate as my family.
‘For those who have been on this journey with me, they have seen how many evenings and weekends and holidays I have devoted to Caring Cooks of Jersey, on top of a full-time job, running a home and having two small children, so even being nominated means so much to me.’
WITH more than 900 employees in Jersey, RBC Wealth Management is a global organisation that cares about the Island community in which it has operated for over 50 years.
Judging the entries for this year’s Community Champion(s) award is Ann Marie Vibert, head of Private Client Wealth Management – Offshore, RBC Wealth Management. She said: ‘For us, this was the most appropriate category for RBC to sponsor as part of our long-term commitment to the communities in which we live and work.
‘We’re fortunate to have such a large and diverse workforce, with many of our colleagues participating in community life, giving their time and money.
‘Supporting this particular category enables us to recognise an individual or group that deserves acknowledgement for the great job they do and the tangible difference they make to Islanders’ lives.’
