Sylvia’s unstinting support praised in national award

Updated: 28 Jan 2025

Pride of Woolwich Branch member, Sylvia Alcorn has won a prestigious award for selflessly giving her time to support local members during lockdown.

A helping hand

Sylvia came first in the category of ‘Giving a Helping Hand’ at the Oddfellows’ Making a Difference Awards, held as part of the Society’s annual conference in May this year.

The award is to celebrate a caring individual who goes out of their way to look after the wellbeing of fellow members – whether phoning, writing or visiting.

Sylvia has been a volunteer Branch Welfare Visitor for more than 35 years, helping members in need of care and welfare support. It was the culmination of her many years of kindness and the support shown to others during the Coronavirus pandemic that secured her win.

Kind-hearted Sylvia and winner of 2022's Giving a Helping Hand Award

It’s just nice to be a friend to someone.

Sylvia ran shopping errands for vulnerable members and, when she was unable to make home visits because of the pandemic’s restrictions, she phoned them regularly. She even painted stones with flowers and slogans and left them on the doorsteps to cheer them up.

Sylvia explained her motivation for helping out her fellow members over so many years: “It’s just nice to be a friend to someone. Even if they have family, they can have a completely different conversation with me and I just love it. They’re so pleased to see you when you come through the door.”

Sylvia, who lives in Erith in Kent, originally became an Oddfellow aged 17 when her father was involved. She also met her husband through the Society.

After having a family and living in South Africa, Sylvia and her husband let their membership lapse. But when Sylvia bumped into an old friend from her Branch over 35 years ago, she signed up again.

CEO of the Oddfellows, Jane Nelson, praised Sylvia’s selfless attitude: “Sylvia is a shining example of the tens of thousands of volunteers in this country, discreetly working to help other people with no expectation of gratitude or reward. So many people have this natural drive to do good and I don’t know what the world would be without them. Sylvia fully deserves this recognition.”

Pride of Woolwich Oddfellows Branch Secretary, Nicola Budds, added: “She puts others before herself, combats loneliness among sick or elderly members and provides practical help as well as friendship. Sylvia’s caring personality and the efforts she makes to ensure other members are happy and well go a long way towards making the Oddfellows a safe, warm and welcoming place for all. It is volunteers like Sylvia who can always be counted on when it matters, or in times of need."

Sylvia was sadly unable to attend the presentation ceremony, however friend and fellow member, Debbie Sawyer, collected her award trophy on her behalf.

Who makes a difference in your Branch?

If you know somebody in your Branch who has gone above and beyond to help and support members of the Oddfellows, why not nominate them for a 2023 Making a Difference Award?

Any member can nominate another member. You can learn more about the different categories in the Making a Difference Awards section of our website. 

To find details of your nearest Branch, visit our Branch Finder. To search for local events, visit our Events Finder.

There are also monthly online open days where you can find out more about the Oddfellows and what membership to your local friendship group has to offer.

If you're interested in joining an Oddfellows friendship group, contact us and we can send you a free information pack and local events diary.