HOMELESS charity Socks and Chocs, founded and run by Bromsgrove’s Ian Northcott BEM, has been awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS).
Ian was presented with the award by the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for Worcestershire at a prestigious ceremony at The Guildhall in Worcester on October 12.
The charity aims to ensure homeless people have socks, other essential clothing and toiletries.
And with winter approaching other items will include gloves and sleeping bags.
Socks and Chocs also funds bed and breakfast accommodation, covers rent for homeless centres and generally does what it can to support Homeless centres and outreach to do their job.
The QAVS is equivalent to the MBE for Voluntary groups.
Ian said: “We are honoured to receive this award and I am pleased that the team has been recognised as no one associated with Socks and Chocs takes a salary or even claims expenses.
“Everything given is used as it should be.”
Anyone who wants to help Socks and Chocs can do so by running a collection themselves or completing sponsored events for the group.
Ian added: “Lots of people doing a little is better than a few doing a lot.”
Two Bromsgrove School students were also invited to the Guildhall and recognised for their work with Socks and Chocs.
Alexandra Shakes and Millie Goulden-Page, who worked for the charity during the summer holidays, were congratulated for their fund-raising
Before moving to senior school, the year eight pupils were asked to undertake four tasks as part of the ‘Bromsgrove Challenge’.
They included raising cash for charity, learning a new skill or refining one, carrying out a cultural or literary challenge.
The girls chose Socks and Chocs for their Bromsgrove Challenge project.
Visit www.socksandchocs.co.uk for more information on the charity and its work.
