Local Volunteers Celebrated at A2Dominion's Community Awards

Winners include Mahaba Café, Havelock Foodbank and Fit Steps for Ealing Sisters

Muriel Morgan Walckiers (left) from Mahaba Cafe receives the award

August 11, 2026

Volunteers and community groups from across Ealing have been celebrated for their outstanding contributions at A2Dominion’s Community Awards 2026, an annual event that shines a light on the people whose dedication strengthens neighbourhoods and supports residents facing hardship. The Making a Difference awards, run by the housing association, recognise individuals and organisations that go above and beyond to improve wellbeing, create opportunities and build resilient communities.

This year’s winners reflect the breadth of grassroots activity taking place across the borough, from tackling food poverty to promoting health and inclusion. Mahaba Café in Ealing was named Community Partner of the Year for its work providing activities, wellbeing support and opportunities for local residents. The café, a social enterprise, trains people with special educational needs to become baristas, offering them valuable work experience in a supportive environment. Its ethos of inclusion and empowerment has made it a much-loved local space. “It’s been amazing to have the support from A2Dominion,” said Muriel Morgan Walckiers. “It’s a real partnership.”

In Southall, the volunteers behind the Havelock Food Distribution Hub were recognised for their tireless efforts supporting families facing financial hardship. Week after week, they ensure the hub runs smoothly, offering essential food support in a warm and welcoming setting. For the team, volunteering is about “giving something back” and seeing the difference their work makes to local families. Volunteer Lyn Hutchinson captured the spirit of the group’s commitment: “Seeing the smile on people’s faces, knowing they can feed their children makes it worthwhile. It’s hard work but worth it.”

Another award celebrated the growing movement for health and inclusion in West Ealing. Sahar Badra, founder of Fit Steps for Ealing Sisters at Green Man Lane, received the Community Health and Wellbeing Project of the Year Award. She established the running group to help women improve their physical health, wellbeing and confidence, and the initiative has since expanded to welcome people of all fitness levels. Reflecting on the recognition, Sahar said she was “shocked” but deeply proud, not only for herself but for the members who have helped shape the group’s success.

The awards form part of A2Dominion’s wider Community Investment programme, which supports local communities through a range of initiatives. Nominations came from customers and colleagues, and were shortlisted by a judging panel that included resident members and senior leaders. The event closed with a celebration of all nominees, volunteers and community champions whose efforts continue to strengthen neighbourhoods across Ealing.

Nic Kantas, Head of Intensive Customer Support at A2Dominion, said the awards highlight “the remarkable people and organisations who work tirelessly to support others and strengthen their communities,” adding that their commitment and compassion are making “a real and lasting difference to local people’s lives.”

The 2026 ceremony offered a vivid reminder of the power of local action — and of the volunteers whose everyday efforts help shape a more connected, supportive and hopeful Ealing.