Going the extra mile – in and out of work
From volunteer running coach to recycling used PPE – and everything in between – Hardstaff Barriers’ Dawn Nadin goes the extra mile.
Kind-hearted Dawn, the Office Co-ordinator at the Nottinghamshire-based road barrier manufacturer, has been shortlisted for a Highways Heroes Award 2022, for her commitment to helping others – in and out of the workplace.
At work
Even when she’s busy at work, Dawn always finds the time to focus on charitable causes and helping others.
She has been the inspiration behind a number of recent initiatives at Hardstaff Barriers and across Hill and Smith Ltd’s VRS divisions, including:
- Hardstaff’s virtual walk to Ukraine and back – A company-wide challenge to walk the distance from Nottingham to Ukraine, which raised thousands of pounds for the Ukraine Humanitarian Appeal
- Recycling old PPE – So far more than 150kg of used PPE, which has reached the end of its life, has been collected to be recycled to create new products
- Easter egg collection – More than 300 Easter Eggs collected by staff and were donated to vulnerable children in the Midlands
- Food Bank collection – An ongoing collection of food for those in need, which Dawn personally delivers to the local food bank
- Stamps for Champs collection – An ongoing collection of used stamps which raise much-needed funds for the Young Lives vs Cancer campaign
- Dawn is a Fairness, Inclusion and Respect (FIR) Ambassador within her workplace
- Dawn is also a Workplace Mental Health Forum leader
But for Dawn, from Clifton, Nottingham, her day job is just the start.
In her spare time
In her spare time, she is a volunteer leader and coach for the Clifton Notts Women’s Runners’ club, which provides support and encouragement in a secure environment for ladies looking to improve their running abilities, or simply to meet new companions.
Last year, she was crowned Club Volunteer of the Year for her commitment and dedication to the role.
In addition, she regularly volunteers as a marshal at running events.
This summer, she volunteered at Run with Rich, at Holme Pierrepont Country Park, which was organised by Nottinghamshire Paralympic athlete and marathon runner, Richard Whitehead MBE.
The event brought together disabled and non-disabled people in a celebration of physical activity.
Dawn made it her mission, not only to supervise and facilitate the event, but to support and spur on those taking part. She ran alongside and uttered words of encouragement to those who needed it.
Whatever she gets involved in, Dawn gives 100% and her genuine care for others really shines through.
When she isn’t running, she can also be found litter picking and joining in with other local initiatives that benefit the community and our environment.
Dawn said: “The position of office coordinator has enabled me to continue and expand the charity work. With the support from colleagues, managers and the board we have been able to achieve amazing things.
“It’s been fantastic to see the enthusiasm within the team but also to have the knowledge that the things we have been doing will make a massive difference.
“I feel honoured and humbled to have been nominated – it’s just what I do. Individually, we can do so little, but together we can do so much, and if I can encourage others to jump onboard and get involved in a small way in the process it’s a bonus.
Dawn will find out if she has been successful at the Highways Heroes Awards ceremony in London on December 7.
