Avant Homes Recognises Local Heroes
Avant Homes has named the winners of its inaugural Let’s Make a Difference Awards, which recognises the positive impact that people make on their communities.
From over 250 nominees, the judging panel, which included company ambassador Gabby Logan and WhatHouse?/Show House editorial director Rupert Bates, has rewarded four dedicated local heroes who are “pushing boundaries and making a positive contribution” in areas where the company is currently building homes across Scotland, north-east England, Yorkshire and the Midlands.
The shortlist was voted for by the public before facing the judging panel. The four winners were Fiona Allan from Glasgow, Paul Yates from Middlesbrough, Anthony Olaseinde from Sheffield and Shane Darbey from Buxton. Each received a trophy, £2,000 cash prize and attended a celebration lunch with Gabby Logan and Avant Homes.
Gabby Logan said: “Being involved in Avant Homes’ first Let’s Make a Difference Awards has been truly inspiring. There have been some incredibly powerful stories and many hundreds of votes cast showing just how much these people mean to their communities. All finalists make a selfless commitment to their cause and, in turn, are making a huge difference to the lives of others.”
Avants Homes' Colin Lewis (second left) and Gabby Logan (centre) with the winners of Let’s Make a Difference Awards
The winners were:
Anthony Olaseinde who set up the ‘Keep Sheffield Stainless’ campaign as part of his dedication of time to raising awareness with young people of knife crime and its impact, and how communities can prevent it.
Fiona Allan creates teddy bears and toys that help sick and disabled young people and adults come to terms with their illnesses, by having the same medical devices as them. Alongside making the teddy bears, Fiona, who herself suffers from numerous chronic illnesses, also runs online support groups.
Paul Yates is chairman of the Middlesbrough Powerchair Football Club (MPFC), which enables people with a severe physical disability of all ages and gender to play the fast-paced team sport of powerchair football. He dedicates average three days a week alongside his full-time job to training, coaching, refereeing and fundraising for the club.
In 2018, Shane Darbey set up the Moon Gazer project, which provides food hampers to help sustain the needs of local people. He is also well-known for his involvement in local charity events and dedicating time to providing free transport to members of his community who are in a time of need.
Colin Lewis, Avant Homes chief executive officer, said: “At Avant Homes, we believe in standing out from the crowd, creating change and making a positive contribution to society that will be felt by many. Our first Let’s Make a Difference Awards has been an incredible opportunity for people to be rewarded for the tireless work they carry out inspiring others and encouraging togetherness.
“I have been very humbled by the exceptional stories of our finalists and I am pleased to be able to recognise them all for their wonderful work.”