We are delighted to report that ATG Group charity partner Ashes to Gold has been presented with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The prestigious accolade is given to voluntary groups across the UK that illustrate outstanding examples of volunteer work. It is the equivalent of an MBE and is awarded for life.  
Since it was established 11 years ago, thousands of people have been supported through its services. These include twice weekly drop-ins, the Smart Recovery addictions awareness program, 1-2-1 counselling, horticultural therapy through the Defence Garden Scheme for Veterans of the armed forces and other nature-based and outdoor well-being initiatives, such as angling and forest school. Ashes to Gold also operates a food bank along with other forms of crisis intervention. 
More than 50 volunteers are currently giving an average of 1,550 hours of service each month to Ashes to Gold. At the same time, eight counsellors are delivering in excess of 120 hours of counselling each month. 

Ashes to Gold was formed in 2013 by our founder Dr Mark McKinney and his wife and ATG Group Director, Jacqui. It was part of their vision to see the company transforming lives in the wider community. 
Mark says he is honoured and humbled that the charity had been presented with the award. He adds, “This recognition is a tribute not only to our charity’s mission but to every single person who has poured their heart, time and energy into transforming lives alongside us. 
“When we first started this journey, our vision was simple yet profound.”  
“Along the way, we have been blessed with an incredible community of volunteers, each of whom shares this vision. Their dedication has turned our vision into a vibrant reality. 
“This award belongs to them as much as it does to us. To each volunteer, past and present, we say thank you. Thank you for every hour spent, every compassionate act and every heart touched. You are the foundation of Ashes to Gold. 
“This award fuels our passion and reminds us of our purpose. Together, we will continue to turn ashes into gold. Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.” 
Ashes to Gold Manager Peter Finch echoed Mark’s gratitude to the charity’s volunteers past and present.  
He said: “As manager of Ashes to Gold I find it incredibly hard to reflect back to our amazing volunteers how much their investment of energy, passion, skills and time truly means to us and the people we serve. Without our volunteers, we simply could not function and it is wonderful to be able to say to them, ‘This King’s Award is for you and because of you.’” 

A volunteer from Ashes to Gold said volunteering had been as much a benefit to them as it had been to its service users. They added, “Receiving recognition through the King’s Award feels very special. The award is extremely humbling. We see people’s lives transformed and hearts healed. We truly hope this instils a sense of pride in our community. I am very proud to be a part of the Ashes to Gold team.” A number of members of the Ashes to Gold team will receive the King’s Award crystal and certificate from Alison Millar, the Lord-Lieutenant of County Londonderry, next year.
The award comes just four years after we won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Developments.