Dig It with Don

Do has work volentariy in Clapham Park as a Gardener for 10 years and has won awards

Don Cain of Clapham Park Time Bank did us proud by winning the 2005 CSV Volunteer of the Year Award for inspiration.

The award, which aims to celebrate and honour the amazing work carried out by volunteers throughout England, was presented to 200 people by the Lord Mayor of the City of London at London Guildhall.

Don was escorted to the event by his partner and Time Bank Broker Roz Mcarthy~Henriques.

Time Bank Broker Funmi Olowe put Don forward for nomination due to his outstanding contribution to the Clapham Park area and he is now the proud owner of a prestigious Royal Mint award 

A resident in Clapham Park for many years, Don has contributed to the community using his own personal understanding of the difficulties faced by those raised in single parent families and peers guiding them through the difficulties of early adulthood.

As a Community Probation Officer Don has used his used his wealth of experience to create a project aimed at supporting young people who find themselves on the wrong side of the law. By becoming an advocate, he has used creative methods of engaging the youth of Clapham Park in the community through Gardening, Basic DIY and Sport.

An example of Don’s achievements is the regeneration of a fellow Time Bank members garden. He linked local youth with an 80-year-old woman resident who was having difficulty maintaining her garden. They took over the garden and turned it into a vegetable plot producing vegetables for everyone to share.

On receiving his award Don said:

“I have seen young people with anti-social behaviour problems hanging around with nothing to do. I made it my work to engage young people in sport to encourage them away from crime.  It was hard work with not much support. I noticed that a Time Bank had been set up and I signed up as a member. Time bank has brought out the best in me and encouraged me to continue the work with their support. Without Funmi, Roz and the Time Bank where would I be now? It’s given me my energy back, allowed me to express my talent and put more ideas towards other projects