Room to Reward is a unique volunteer-recognition charity created to say ‘thank you’ to the UK’s hidden heroes – inspirational volunteers who give up their time to make a difference to those who need it most. 

Hotels across the donate their unsold rooms, and charities and voluntary organisations can nominate their superstar volunteers for a free two-night getaway.

In June, as part of Rainbow Trust’s Volunteers’ Week celebrations, we were able to announce the four volunteers who were successfully nominated this year.  

Bosco, Volunteer Driver, London and South East Care Team 

Bosco is a Supervolunteer! He’s not just a volunteer driver, he’s happy to help in any way that he can. In addition to providing family transport, Bosco has also supported several fundraising events: he joined in games and activities at the Halloween event at Chessington Garden Centre; wrapped presents at West One Shopping Centre on 23rd December; and joined the Cheer Squad for the Royal Parks Half and London Marathons.

Bosco said: “A truly lovely surprise — thank you so much, it means a great deal to me. Volunteering with Rainbow Trust is incredibly rewarding, and the charity inspires me every time I’m involved. I genuinely enjoy giving my time, whether that’s supporting families directly or joining in with events.”

Chris, IT Volunteer, Head Office  

Chris is an IT Volunteer at Head Office and has contributed so much over the years, helping with all manner of things such setting up laptops and phones for our staff and helping with ad-hoc projects such as instructions for installing a dashcam.  He is a huge support to the team, particularly team while we are without an IT Manager. We are so grateful to have Chris in our team - he is lovely to have around! 

Mary, Family Support Volunteer, North East Care team

Mary has been a Family Support Volunteer at the North East team since 2023 and has proven to be a great asset to the team.  

She has been supporting a child with complex needs who comes from a single parent family with a younger sibling. Mary met the family and created an amazing bond with them, not only helping with the sick child, but also helping with the sibling and parental support - which the family also express their thanks for constantly. 

The work and support she has given this family is beyond amazing! 

Mary said: "Thank you so much for the award you have given me for volunteering. I am delighted and am over the moon. It is so kind of you. Rainbow Trust is such an amazing organisation and provides such valuable, compassionate care and support to children and families in need. It is lovely to be able to help."

Michael, Family Support Volunteer, Essex Team 

Michael started out at Rainbow Trust as an independent family support volunteer and now also provides transport, taking families to hospital appointments. He recently took a family to the theatre in central London so they could enjoy their day without having to worry about driving and parking. 

Michael has simply been amazing and he always makes time for the families we support. I really don’t know what the Essex Team would do without him! 

Michael said: “It is nice to be recognised for the support I give Rainbow Trust.  I have met so many amazing people through the charity. It is inspiring to see how the cope with what life has thrown at them, and rewarding to feel I have helped them out in some small way.” 

Although there were only four award winners, we are incredibly grateful to ALL of our volunteers for the support they offer to families.