Community Champion: Gary Prescott

20th November 2025

Our volunteer roles at Acorns vary as much as the wonderful people who fulfil them. And none are more diverse and flexible than our Community Champions.

One key volunteer within the Acorns family is Gary Prescott, one of our long-serving and much loved Community Champions.

For four years, Gary has been an unwavering extension of our fundraising team, helping to bridge the gap between our hospices and the communities we serve. Thanks to his generosity, we’ve been able to reach more people, share essential stories about Acorns’ great work, and inspire vital support. The role allows volunteers to assist the team in a way that suits their skills and availability – Gary has chosen to help in many wonderful ways, given freely from the goodness of his heart.

The impact of a Community Champion

Gary’s commitment isn’t just measured in the hundreds of hours of time he’s given; it’s measured in the smiles he creates and the awareness he spreads. His support is crucial because it allows the Fundraising team to be in multiple places at once, maximising our presence and impact, and every volunteer Champion brings their own unique help to the cause.

Whether he’s in the heart of the community or supporting one of our biggest events, Gary brings immense energy and dedication to every task. As a huge AVFC fan, he even brought his passion to Villa Park itself – delivering a heartfelt talk about Acorns in the Fan Zone at Acorns recent takeover day.

A man dressed up as a clown and wearing a red curly wig outside the Walsall Bescot stadium.

Gary’s incredible contributions

The Community Champion role is truly open-ended, meaning you aid the team where needed and as you like. Gary embraces this flexibility and has helped us in numerous ways, showing just a few of the possibilities:

Ever seen Acorns’ mascot Alex the Acorn spreading cheer at an event? It’s highly likely that’s Gary spreading the joy!
He regularly attends supporter events and cheque presentations to represent Acorns, meeting the generous people that make Acorns work possible.
Gary was the polished and professional compere at our Hospice Garden Fete this year, keeping the atmosphere lively and the programme on track.

Gary is crucial for securing donations, running collections at venues such as theatres, garden centres and supermarkets.
Whether he’s getting into character as Santa or Olaf, he makes our seasonal fundraisers a memorable success.
He delivers impactful talks in the community and assemblies at schools, ensuring the next generation understands the difference Acorns makes.
He’s a logistics hero, efficiently helping with collecting, placing and servicing collection tins across the community, as well as dropping off materials to supporters, ensuring they have everything they need to champion Acorns too.

Gary’s list of contributions is not a job description! It simply shows the incredible variety of ways a Community Champion can support us. You only do what you’re happy to do; Gary just happens to love tackling everything with enthusiasm!

Two women wearing red Acorns branded bibs and a man wearing a red curly wig. They are all holding Acorns donation buckets.

Inspired to make a difference?

Gary’s story shows that being a Community Champion is about making a deep impact by helping the fundraising team in any way you can. You don’t need to do any of the tasks listed above, you will just be a valuable member of our team!

If you feel inspired and would like to find out more about how you could be a Community Champion, please register your interest.

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