Thank you to Wendy Cooke of Kookateki Judo Club for sending in the news story below. 

Volunteers from Kookateki Judo Club who have supported Belfast City Council in running its community services were recognised by Belfast Lord Mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston, as part of the city’s contribution to the UK Festival of Volunteering.

The 12 day festival which took place between 1^st and 12^th June aimed to recognise, reward and recruit volunteers.

Wendy Cooke on behalf of Kookateki Judo Club was there for the presentation of certificates to all the volunteer groups which took place in Belfast’s City Hall on Friday 10^th June.

Alderman Kingston said: “I believe Helen Keller was right when she said –‘Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much’ so I am delighted to recognise the work of all our volunteers.

“Volunteers contribute greatly to the work of Belfast City Council and by doing so they transform not just their own world but also that of others. They help support our community and play services, our parks and sports groups, and by serving alongside us help us better meet the needs of communities across the city.

“The annual Festival of Volunteering has been extended this year in recognition of the Queen’s 90th birthday – a lady who has devoted her life to serving others- it is apt then that in recognising the service of volunteers to the community we are also recognising hers,” added Alderman Kingston.

The council is developing a Volunteering Charter and Policy to underpin its work with volunteers and organisations and at ways of encouraging more people to look at volunteering as a way of beating social isolation.

“Interacting with others is important and we need the human contact as well as the freedom we have in using new technology to keep in touch with family and friends. Volunteering ticks so many boxes and boosts the health of those giving as well as receiving,” said the Lord Mayor.

For more information on Kookateki Judo Club visit: www.kookatekijudoclub.co.uk.