Local volunteer celebrated for dedication to community club
High Sheriff Award winner Shaz Saleem founded The Saleem Foundation Award for Heroes in 2021 to recognise and appreciate community champions who support their local area.
This month’s #TsfAwardForHeroes has been awarded to Michelle Stokes of the Wall Heath Kuppa Club.
Michelle received multiple nominations. Community champion Cassie Gray said Michelle “deserves it” and described her as an inspiration who, while working full time and raising a family, keeps the Kuppa Club running so isolated people have a place to feel safe. Gray also said Michelle organises trips for the group and added that she is “privileged” to call her a friend.
Joy Hewitt said Michelle has lived in Wall Heath for almost 20 years, and that she has known her for almost 10 years. Hewitt said Michelle has continued to run Kuppa Club for The Saleem Foundation, despite it being a small group, giving people the chance to meet every fortnight for coffee and a chat. Hewitt said they discuss problems, share laughs and catch up on village news, and added that Michelle gives up her time and has organised talks. Hewitt thanked her on behalf of the group.
Previous #TsfAwardForHeroes winner Dawn Keeley said Michelle is “a brilliant example of community spirit”, citing her dedication and enthusiasm in running the Kuppa Club and village events, and her previous involvement with the youth club. Keeley said Michelle is caring and deserves recognition.
The award was presented by Becky from The Wall Heath Tavern. It is sponsored by community champion Lydia Longville from The Bonsai Black Belt Academy Kingswinford. Longville said it was “amazing” to hear about the work done by the group led by Michelle and that, on behalf of Bonsai Black Belt Academy, they were proud to present the award.
Shaz Saleem said it is important to recognise community ambassadors who make the area better for all, and congratulated Michelle while thanking her for what she has done for the community. Saleem also invited nominations for people who live or work in Kingswinford, Wall Heath and the surrounding area, via email at askshaz@hotmail.co.uk.
The award was founded by The Saleem Foundation and sponsored by the Bonsai Black Belt Academy to recognise local heroes.
