Cristiano Cuino, from MJ the Musical, performed at Tower Hamlets community awards, honoring local volunteers.
Cristiano Cuino performed at the awards. He is from the East End’s Young and Talented group and sang songs from MJ the Musical, where he plays Little Michael Jackson.
Volunteers were honored as “community champions” on January 30. Councillor Saied Ahmed, who leads the community sector for the council, praised them for being trusted and creating positive change.
Independent judges picked award winners from 170 public nominations. Alexis Williams won young volunteer of the year, with Jason Clark and Mohammed Hussain commended. James Ford and Mel Pinet jointly won volunteer of the year, with Phillip Reddaway and Tom Elliott commended.
Koyes Ali received a lifetime achievement award, and Rashid Ali was highly commended. Mayor Lutfur Rahman thanked the winners, acknowledging the 1,300 volunteer groups that greatly improve lives in the community he serves.
Awards also went to local groups. The Royal Foundation of St Katharine won large group of the year for making a difference in Limehouse, while St Hilda’s East charity was highly commended. Limehouse Project won medium group of the year, with Streets of Growth project, which works near Petticoat Lane market, highly commended. Vallance Community Sports Association won small group of the year, with Mile End Community Project and Just Smiles Original commended.