Tour Maker
57. Maxine Green
Volunteering veteran, Maxine, who dedicates a huge amount of her time to projects in her community was selected to volunteer at Tour de France Stage 1 in Skipton last week.
Acting as a ‘Way Finder’ Maxine was the friendly face that welcomed visitors to the area and directed them safely around the opening stage of the event. Her over-and-above enthusiasm for the role meant that she was asked to help support the training of other volunteers in the lead up to the event.
Beyond the Tour, Maxine holds a strong track record in volunteering. In 2013 alone she raised over £52,000 for causes in her local area, including raising funds to make over Dartmouth Park in Morley, re-designing the botanical gardens making them an attraction for the community.
Maxine has also helped to collect over 3 tonnes of food for the Leeds South Food Bank. Having gone through Breast Cancer herself in 2010, Maxine is also heavily involved in fundraising activities for Breast Cancer Charities.
Prime Minister David Cameron said:
“Maxine’s commitment to her local area over the years in incredible. She has given over 9,000 hours to volunteering and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for local causes. Her efforts as a TourMaker will help make a day to remember for Yorkshire and all those watching around the world. I’m delighted to recognise Maxine as a Point of Light.”
Maxine Green, Community Life Champion at Asda said:
“I’m truly overwhelmed and honoured to receive this award from the Prime Minister. I just couldn’t miss being part of such an amazing sporting event on my own door step and working alongside 10,000 other tour makers, there’s so much pride in every single one of them. It’s really humbling when I see the impact my volunteering and fundraising work has in my local community, even if it’s small it makes such a difference.”
Rt Hon Ed Balls said:
“I’ve worked and campaigned with Maxine countless times over recent years. From getting help for Morley Heritage Centre and dressing up as Pudsey bear for Children in Need to forced rhubarb pulling at her family farm and quick cricket in local schools, Maxine is always the one who puts in the time to make things happen.
So when I was campaigning to get the Breast Screening unit returned to Morley a couple of years ago, it was, of course, Maxine who stepped up to help. Not only did she arrange for the NHS’ unit to be located on the car park at Morley Asda, but she also persuaded her Dad to come up in his tractor when bollards in the car park threatened to slow down the move.
She’s an inspiration to work and is dedicated to making a difference to help others. I’m delighted she is being honoured in this way. Congratulations Max!”
Nicky Roche, Chief Executive of TdFHUB2014 Ltd. said:
“We are delighted that a Tour Maker has been selected by the Prime Minister to receive a Points of Light Award. This award is testament to the fantastic volunteer team that committed time, energy and enthusiasm to make the Tour de France a huge success in the UK. Maxine certainly deserves recognition for the difference she has made as a Tour Maker and volunteer in the wider community.”