The key volunteers behind a a donation drive for Afghan refugees staying in hotels locally have received recognition on behalf of the Prime Minister.
Hertsmere MP Oliver Dowden presented Rabbi Elchonon Feldman from Bushey Synagogue with the Points of Light award this afternoon.
Points of Light are outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community and every weekday the Prime Minister recognises an inspirational volunteer with the Points of Light award.
Today, it was the turn of those who played an instrumental part in organising thousands of donations for refugees in Hertsmere who had fled Afghanistan to be honoured.
Mr Dowden visited the synagogue to present the Points of Light certificate to Rabbi Feldman, his wife Jacqueline, and Deborah Dobrin and Melissa Barnett who co-founded Bushey Gives Back; the synagogue's social action group.
Following his presentation, Mr Dowden said: "I am both delighted and honoured to award Rabbi Feldman this Points of Light award today alongside volunteers from Bushey Gives Back.
"Having worked closely with Rabbi Feldman as the local Member of Parliament, I know that his commitment to his community is unparalleled."
Mr Dowden added: "I know that Bushey United Synagogue was swamped with donations from the local community, so much so you could not get into the car park.
"This is testament to both Rabbi Feldman, volunteers, his shul, and the wider Hertsmere community. I could not think of someone more deserving of this prestigious award."
Related: Donations pour in at Bushey Synagogue for Afghan refugees in Hertsmere
In the summer, a call-out on social media groups for items to help support refugees staying in hotels in Hertsmere went crazy with an overwhelming amount of donations including clothing and toiletries.
The work of Bushey Gives Back gained national media attention with the synagogue car park filled with goods generously donated by the local community.
Bushey Gives Back co-founder Melissa Barnett said: "We never expected the response we received. There was an outpouring of love from the community and the donations will help thousands of people."
She added: "It is lovely to receive this recognition", with Rabbi Feldman adding: "It is really special when there is recognition for people who have done good. This was extremely important and serious work that was done by our community."
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