Milton Keynes volunteer wins award for work behind the scenes at community meal project
A volunteer from Milton Keynes has won an award in recognition of his work behind the scenes at a project that provides meals for the community.
Dave Persaud, 72, has been volunteering at community dining charity Foodcycle’s weekly meals project in Wolverton for the past three years.
Known as Background Dave by his colleagues, he helps keep things running smoothly at the meal, taking on tasks ranging from setting tables to washing dishes, making cups of tea and coffee and helping to clear up.
The project sees volunteers transform surplus food into a three-course community meal, and is served every Friday in Wolverton at The Old Bath House on Stratford Road at 12.30pm.
After being nominated by fellow volunteers who praised his positivity and care, Dave has now been named as the east winner at the charity’s Regional Volunteer of the Year Awards.
Speaking following his award Dave said: “I love volunteering, it’s a good way of giving something back to the community that I have lived in for 48 years.
“When people come along, they get so much out of it, and so do I and the other volunteers.
“We all love being involved in it and seeing the joy that it's brought to so many people.
“I don't do voluntary work for awards or anything like that - I do it just for the sheer pleasure of doing it.
“But to have my contributions recognised in this way, fills me with pride.
“I'm fortunate that I'm still able-bodied at my age, and I enjoy the physical nature of the setting up at the tables.
“I also enjoy having some input when the cooks are cooking, I'll taste the food and I'll say if I think it needs a bit more of this or that.”
The FoodCycle charity runs weekly community meals across the country, including elsewhere in Milton Keynes at the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Fishermead on Thursday evenings at 7pm.
FoodCycle’s regional manager for the east Holly Wright said: “We couldn’t do what we do without our amazing volunteers like Dave.
“We’re grateful to The Marsh Charitable Trust for partnering with us on these awards to recognise their kindness.
“We’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to get involved, and you don’t need any previous experience, and all training is provided.”
Anyone over 18 can volunteer with FoodCycle with roles including cooking, hosting and delivering surplus food.