# BT Chairman presents employee volunteer awards

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/07/07/bt-chairman-presents-employee-volunteer-awards/
- Published: 2007-07-07T23:00:00+01:00
- Author: Howard Lake

BT’s chairman Sir Christopher Bland has presented his final Chairman’s Awards for
employee volunteers before he retires in September. The BT Chairman’s Awards are
the highest accolade of the company’s employee charity scheme, BT Community Champions.

This scheme has been running for more than ten years and recognises the dedication
of BT employees around the world who are involved on a voluntary basis within their
local community. More than 6,500 organisations have benefited from the scheme since
it began. In 2006-07, BT supported its employees’ charity work with awards of up
to £200,000 through these schemes.

Lorraine Reade, a complex billing enquiries consultant from Liverpool was awarded
the highest honour, the £5,000 outstanding achievement award. Lorraine won for her
involvement with Youth for Unity, a community group that engages young people in
worldwide peace projects. She dedicates more than 60 hours of volunteering to the
group each month and has been involved with the group for 18 years.

A total of 14 BT Chairman’s Awards and £23,000 was distributed at the latest ceremony.
The BT chairman personally selects the winners of the Chairman’s Awards from hundreds
of applications short-listed by a judging panel.

## Advertisement

Sir Christopher Bland said: “Throughout my time as Chairman of BT I have always 
been inspired by the dedication BT people show to such a variety of voluntary groups
throughout the country and indeed the world. It is absolutely right that this dedication
is recognised by BT and that voluntary work is encouraged across the company. I 
congratulate Lorraine and commend her long term commitment to Youth for Unity.”

 * **[Charities invited to enter The Queen's Awards for Enterprise](https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/07/17/charities-invited-enter-queen039s-awards-enterprise/)**(
   17 July 2007)
 * **[Charity wins best in show garden at Tatton Park](https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/07/17/charity-wins-best-show-garden-tatton-park/)**(
   17 July 2007)
 * **[Nominations for Scottish fundraising awards now open](https://fundraising.co.uk/2007/07/25/nominations-scottish-fundraising-awards-now-open/)**(
   25 July 2007)