Volunteer celebrates Coronation Awards Achievement!

26th April 2023

Ted volunteers in the Facilities Department at Oak Tree Animals’ Charity and has been recognised by Their Majesties The King and The Queen Consort as part of the official Coronation celebrations in conjunction with the Royal Voluntary Service. 

Ted volunteers most days helping repair fences, and buildings, carry out field maintenance and he even turned his Massey Ferguson into Santa’s sleigh to celebrate Christmas. Ted impressed judges with his dedication to helping animals in need and supporting the Charity, whatever the weather or personal hardship. 

With the support of Her Majesty The Queen Consort, a passionate advocate of volunteering and President of Royal Voluntary Service, the Coronation Champions Awards were launched to recognise exceptional volunteers from across the country at this momentous point in history. Across the UK, 500 Champions dazzled the judging panel with the impact of their work, their inspirational stories and unwavering commitment to volunteering.

All Coronation Champions, including Ted, have been invited to attend one of the official Coronation celebrations, such as the Windsor Castle Coronation Concert or a Coronation Garden Party. They will also receive a specially designed, official Coronation Champions pin and a certificate signed by Their Majesties.

Commenting on becoming a Coronation Champion, Ted Maltzahn said: “I enjoy spending my time volunteering at Oak Tree, especially in Equine with my love for horses. I also enjoy my farm and tractor duties. The staff and volunteers are amazing, caring for all the animals who all need some love. I am very honoured to have been nominated and proud to receive this award.”

Caroline Johnson, General Manager at Oak Tree said: “Ted is quite simply inspirational, he gives up every spare hour to help our team here at Oak Tree. His dedication and passion to help the Charity is infectious and despite some personal challenges gives everything he can to help animals in need across our region. We are so grateful to Ted and are delighted that he has been awarded this great honour, it is truly deserved. Thank you Ted for everything you do.”

The Coronation Champions Awards invited people across the UK to nominate their local volunteering heroes who are going the extra mile. Nominations were made across eight award categories; supporting older people; supporting young people and children; crisis and welfare; community; sports, culture, and heritage; health and care; sustainability and the environment; and animal welfare.

Catherine Johnstone CBE, Chief Executive of Royal Voluntary Service said: “We were completely blown away by the response to the Community Champions Awards and the huge volume of amazing nominees put forward. Our judges had a tough job selecting just 500 Champions from an array of thousands of inspirational individuals, who all deserve to be recognised and commended. Each of our Coronation Champions displayed a commitment and contribution that far exceeds any expectation and we’re overjoyed to honour and thank them during this exciting point in history.”

Royal Voluntary Service is immensely grateful for the generous support of brand partners Simplyhealth, for supporting the Health and Care category, Sky through its Sky Cares programme, for supporting the Community category and Petplan, for supporting the Animal Welfare category.

Those feeling inspired to try volunteering themselves, click here!