Homeless volunteer is nominated for a Wales St David Award

Salvation Army volunteer Carole Ann Dacey, who made more than 70,000 packed lunches during the pandemic and spent a decade supporting the homeless in Cardiff, has been nominated for a St David’s Community Spirit Award.

Carole spent a large part of her volunteering time supporting people who used The Salvation Army’s Purple Bus in Cardiff. She was also a volunteer at the church and charity’s shop in Penarth.

As well as food, Carole provided a sympathetic ear for people who visited the bus, and she has also escorted victims of modern slavery to safehouses as part of her volunteering for The Salvation Army.

During the height of the pandemic, Carole made 260 packed lunches and breakfasts every day to be delivered to the homeless. “When I had to stop working, I promised that I would devote all of my time to volunteer work. I love it and I’m so pleased to be in a position to be able to do it.”

She added: “I’m still in disbelief that I have been nominated. It’s an absolute honour to volunteer and to help the people who are most in need.”

The St David Awards are the national awards for Wales and the public nominate those they think should receive them. The winner of each category is handpicked by The First Minister of Wales.

Captain Mark Kent from the Salvation Army in Penarth said “I’d like to congratulate Carole for the nomination she has received for the national St David award. Carole has worked very hard as a volunteer with The Salvation Army in various roles for several years, always with dedication and a warm smile on her face. As well as that she fulfils a vital role with  Samaritans. To reach this point is very well deserved."