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Local fundraising volunteer receives MBE in Queen’s Birthday Honours List.
Alan with Michelle and Christine
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Alan Bell, tireless volunteer for The Cedar Foundation was once again fundraising for the charity at a busy Tesco Supermarket in Belfast today. Over the years Alan has raised well over £100,000 for many local charities including almost £20,000 for The Cedar Foundation.
He has been a volunteer for the last ten years for the disability charity, attending many Flag Day and store collections and especially enjoys the Christmas collections where he regularly joins in with the school carol singing.
As recognition for all his hard work Alan has been officially recognised on the Queen’s Birthday Honours List and was notified on 16 June 07 that he will be going to Buckingham Palace at the end of the year to receive his MBE from the Queen.
Michelle-Nutt-McIlvenny, Community Inclusion Officer with The Cedar Foundation nominated him for the award along with the help of volunteer Jennifer Taggart, she commented:
"Alan has dedicated an enormous amount of his spare time to collecting money for many charities. In spite of his disability, which severely affects his ability to move and travel independently he is always among the first to volunteer when it comes to street collecting and flag days.
"Alan is enthusiastic and cheerful in all that he does. He inspires others and takes the initiative when he sees something that needs to be done. He always adopts a positive attitude and is an inspiration to others. He has campaigned tirelessly for better access to buildings used by the public and has recently carried out a survey of the accessibility of shops, pubs and other premises on the Lisburn Road.
"I am absolutely delighted that he is being formally recognised by no less than the Queen for all his achievements over his many years of volunteer service to many charities including The Cedar Foundation."
Christine Tweedie, Fundraising Officer with The Cedar Foundation added:
"It is always a pleasure to have Alan along on Flag Days as his good humor is sure to keep everyone amused.
"He is very well known no matter where we go in Northern Ireland and if we are collecting on a cold wet day and meet up for lunch we always find that he has either been invited inside a shop to collect or has been kept supplied with coffee throughout the morning."
The Cedar Foundation is a voluntary organisation working in partnership with people with disabilities throughout Northern Ireland to provide a range of services, from supported living projects promoting independent living and community based support services to training that enhances skill and opportunities in education, training and employment.
The Cedar Foundation also provides information and practical support services to parents and young people with disabilities. Central to all our services are the themes of user involvement, inclusion and empowerment.
If you would like to find out more details about The Cedar Foundation please log on to www.cedar-foundation.org , e.mail: info@cedar-foundation.org or tel: 028 9066 6188.
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Northern Ireland Council for Voluntary Action is registered as a company limited by guarantee in Northern Ireland (No 1792) and is registered as a charity for tax purposes with the Inland Revenue