Hamara held its 6th annual Community Awards ceremony on Thursday 3 December 2015. Hamara is the largest ethnic minority organisation in the voluntary and community sector in Leeds. Based in Beeston, they help to support and strengthen communities citywide through a wide range of multigenerational programs.
Over a hundred volunteers, service users, sponsors and councilors mingled together to soak up the atmosphere at Aagarh restaurant in Bradford. Everyone networked between carabet style tables and awaited an evening of entertainment to find out who the worthy recipients were.
Hamara began the evening with the acknowledging all their volunteers and to show their appreciation we were entertained by examples of the talented dancers from the Halo group; a adult learning disability group, boxing, and singing from last years winner Bethany Hare.
Hamara sponsors were welcomed to the stage to show their support. Mike Arthur, CEO Yorkshire County Cricket Club; Davide Longe, Rugby Football League and Mike Tomlinson from the Jane Tomlinson Foundation gave motivational speeches.
Cllr Judith Blake (leader of Leeds City Council and ward councillor for Belle Isle and Middleton) heralded Hamara as “an essential and much valued institution especially within the inner south community of Leeds.” Saying its strength lies within its diversity.
Master of Ceremonies and CEO of Hamara, Hanif Malik annouced the winners:
Young Person’s Award – Maryam Ali
Lifetime Achievement Award – Gurdev Dahale
Women’s Achievement Award – Halima Khan
Community Organisation Award – Leeds Asylum Seekers Support Network
Service to the Community Award – Sharon Whitehead
Special Initiative Award – Haroon Jehan Foundation
For more information on the winners and to find out more information on the organisation visit the Hamara website.