Birmingham: The first King’s Awards presentation for voluntary service celebration was held at the Birmingham Hippodrome on Sunday 14th April, 2024.
On this occasion, Sir John Crabtree OBE, Lord Lieutenant for the West Midlands, presented the KAVS (King’s Award for Voluntary Service) awards as King Charles’ III representative to the voluntary service groups in various sectors in West Midlands. The KAVS is equivalent to MBE and was received by Dr Rakesh Sachdev President and Mr Davinder Prasad General Secretary on behalf of BOPA – British Organization for People of Asian Origin.
The beautiful and historic hall known as the Hippodrome erupted with applause and appreciation, when a magnificent and memorable tribute was shown to BOPA’s service and work for community by their volunteers that is unparalleled.
On this happy occasion, apart from key officers of BOPA, volunteers, friends and fans were also present with them. BOPA was recognised for transforming a piece of derelict land into a community hub and haven for wildlife and it now plays a vital role in community cohesion in Coventry.
BOPA has created a united platform where BAME communities can enjoy cultural events, social interaction, be educated on health, employment, language and other opportunities across all communities in Coventry leading to a better understanding of each other, celebrating diversity through togetherness. They do an enormous amount of good ranging from operations like collection and delivery to food banks, helping old and vulnerable peoples , to improving environmental spaces such as canal cleaning, litter picking and creating a scenic peace garden.
In addition they work with the British Armed forces supporting BAME engagement in local communities especially schools and promoting the contribution of their forbears in the World Wars.
Report by S M Irfan Tahir Photojournalist / Member National Union of Journalists (NUJ) Great Britain.
