Volunteers’ Week 2025: Honouring Margaret McKenzie – A Legacy of Dedication and Kindness
As we celebrate Volunteers’ Week 2025, a time dedicated to recognising the incredible contributions of volunteers across the UK, OpenSight is proud to shine a spotlight on one of our most cherished volunteers – Margaret McKenzie.
This year, we are privileged to present the Jenny Robinson Award for Outstanding Voluntary Contributions to Margaret, in heartfelt recognition of her decades of selfless service, exceptional leadership, and unwavering commitment to our Eastleigh Club and the wider OpenSight community.
Margaret is, quite simply, a joy to work with. Her warm presence, infectious enthusiasm, and gracious adaptability have made her a pillar of strength through periods of change and growth. She brings positivity to every room she enters and builds genuine connections with everyone she meets – from staff and fellow volunteers to the members we support.
Margaret’s journey with OpenSight began more than 60 years ago, and for the past 32 years, she has served as Treasurer of the Eastleigh Club. Her stewardship has been instrumental in building and maintaining a strong, well-funded and financially robust club – a vital foundation that allows us to continue offering services to those affected by sight loss in the community. But Margaret’s impact goes far beyond managing club finances.
Whether she’s helping to organise events, supporting monthly meetings, or stepping in wherever a hand is needed, Margaret leads with quiet strength and generous heart. Her contributions are not only practical but deeply personal – she has created a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
In many ways, Margaret embodies the very values that inspired the creation of the Jenny Robinson Award. First introduced in 2016, this award honours the legacy of Jenny Robinson, a former Chairman of Trustees and dedicated Volunteer whose compassion and tireless service left a lasting mark on OpenSight. Margaret follows proudly in those footsteps.
Margaret, your dedication, warmth, and countless acts of kindness have made a lasting difference to so many. Your service is the gold standard of volunteerism, and we are truly grateful.
Congratulations and thank you – from all of us at OpenSight.
