Wollaston is Kind founder Moira named 'Local Hero' for community work

A Wollaston woman has been named Northamptonshire's local hero after a nationwide search for community champions.

Moira Bovenzi has been chosen as one of the local heroes this Christmas by Dobbies garden centre and Teenage Cancer Trust.

Following a nationwide search for ‘Not Your Average People’ Moira, who founded Wollaston Is Kind community group, was named as Northamptonshire's winner.

Moira was nominated by Pat Smith who wanted to thank her for the dedication she has shown in helping the Wollaston community in recent years.

Pat said: “Moira does all of this work with a smile on her face, a kind word for everyone and a sense of complete selflessness rarely seen.

"She works and looks after her three children whilst doing all of this for our community. No-one deserves a treat more”

Alongside its National Charity Partner, Teenage Cancer Trust, Dobbies has said a special thank you to Moira, with a gift of plants and gardening products from her local store to reward her community spirit, and dedication to making life better and brighter for Wollaston residents in 2020.

Moira founded the ‘Wollaston Is Kind’ community group in 2016 and has spent the past four years committed to helping those in need in the village.

Her commitment has seen her open a food bank in her own pantry and organise lunches during the summer holidays for children who normally receive free school meals.

She regularly organises Christmas dinners and events for those who are alone during the festive season and delivers Christmas gifts to children who might not receive one otherwise.

Alongside this, Moira leads a community team of volunteers to care for and visit older Wollaston residents who may be experiencing loneliness, and also provides emergency facilities for those in urgent need, encouraging the community to donate to the scheme to avoid waste.

Moira said: “I am delighted to have been named a ‘Local Hero’ by Dobbies and Teenage Cancer Trust. I love living in Wollaston and being a part of our kind and generous community. I look forward to continuing to support our community as much as I can and, of course, I am looking forward to tending to my garden with my prize from Dobbies.”

Graeme Jenkins, chief executive at Dobbies, said: “Christmas is a magical time of year and it’s great to celebrate Moira, who has been spreading joy all year long. Together with Teenage Cancer Trust, it has been fantastic to hear about community heroes across the UK who have made a real difference, and we’re delighted to give back to them this Christmas.”

Laura Pearce, head of corporate partnerships at Teenage Cancer Trust, said: “We’re so proud of our ongoing partnership with Dobbies, and the money raised by its stores across the land really does have a life-changing effect on the lives of teenagers and young people with cancer.

“It is a pleasure to be part of their campaign to highlight and thank amazing people who are making a difference to their local communities, and we’d like to wish each and every one of these people a very happy Christmas and New Year.”