An autistic resident of the city of St Helens in England was honoured with the prestigious Mayor’s Good Citizen Award for his decade-long volunteer work and community service.
Thomas Hawkins, 32, has been involved in various community services programs such as food banks, donation camps for domestic violence victims and refugees, etc. Simultaneously, he has also been working closely with local businesses and charities like Momo’s Community Café and Willowbrook Hospice.
Thomas, who himself lives in a supported accommodation, continued to volunteer with his time and effort despite the health scares all around him. He overcame his pandemic anxiety to continue volunteering in order to ensure food and other needs of those who required shielding during lockdown were met. For this feat, he was also bestowed with Momo’s Covid Hero Award and Momo’s Bravery Award.
Even though Thomas never sought recognition or praise for his community service, his dedication didn’t go unnoticed. On October 7, he was presented with the Mayor’s Good Citizen Award at the town hall by St Helens Mayor Sue Murphy.
Claire Rigby, the owner of Momo’s Community Café where Thomas has been volunteering for the past four years, called him a ‘total superstar’. “He has ten years of volunteer experience working throughout the community, and up until now hasn’t had any recognition for it,” Claire told St Helens Star. She further added that she was in awe of his strength in overcoming his anxiety and his commitment to helping those in need.
