26/09/2011

Latest Big Society Winner Wins PM's Applause

An innovative programme connecting people who want to make a difference to their community with dynamic charities in their area, Orange RockCorps, is the latest winner of Prime Minister's Big Society Award.

The programme inspires people to volunteer within their community by producing concerts for which you can't buy a ticket. By giving four hours of their time to work on a volunteer project, participants can earn a ticket to an exclusive gig. So far over 36,000 people have earned themselves a ticket to an Orange RockCorps event.

Many top artists have performed to reward volunteers after givingthe time to support a project, from P Diddy painting an adventure playground in Islington to Professor Green clearing rubbish at the Thames 21 project.

This year's event was the largest all-volunteer concert at Wembley Arena.

The Prime Minister David Cameron said: "In just a few years Orange RockCorps has touched hundreds of thousands of lives, made a difference to communities all over the country and shown people that doing good can feel pretty good too.

"I talk a lot about the Big Society and this is what it means. People stepping forward, and understanding that society isn't a spectator sport but something we build as a team.

"Congratulations to RockCorps and all the volunteers who have got involved."

Welcoming the award, Stephen Greene, Co-Founder of RockCorps commented: "Now, more than ever, community involvement for all citizens is vital for this country and we are very happy to be playing a small part. Orange RockCorps is very proud to be recognised with a Big Society Award from the Prime Minister.

"We have an engagement model that works, allowing enthused volunteers to carve their own paths. In 2011 alone, Orange RockCorps volunteers have racked up over 50,000 hours of volunteering.

"We are proud to partner with so many great charities and organisations in this country and they share this award along with us," he said.

Spencer McHugh, Brand Director at Orange commented: "Since launching Orange RockCorps in 2008 we've gained an unparalleled reputation for encouraging people to get involved in volunteering and so far over 300 charities in Britain have benefited from our help.

"Our innovative approach has inspired more than 90,000 people to give up their time to help their local community and we're delighted that our efforts have been recognised by Number 10."

(BMcC/GK)

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