Heroic Volunteer David Sanders Bags Prestigious Order Of Mercy
David Sanders has scooped The Order Of Mercy from the League of Mercy in recognition of his decades of tireless voluntary work. He has been a key player in a slew of organisations including Lions International, Rotary International, Cadet Forces, Army Reserve, various Youth and Armed Service veteran groups, Academic Staff Association, Engineering Institutions, and multiple charities.
Champion of Youth and Veterans
David has zeroed in on supporting youth services and military veterans. When he’s not volunteering, he’s shaping future engineers as a lecturer at portsmouth/" title="Portsmouth" data-wpil-keyword-link="linked">Portsmouth University. He lives in Fareham with his wife and two of their four children.
League of Mercy: Honour with History
The League of Mercy was founded back in 1899 by royal charter from Queen Victoria. Each year, around 30 outstanding volunteers are handed the coveted Order of Mercy medal. The award celebrates those who serve their communities selflessly, especially crucial as Britain’s population ages and relies more on voluntary help.
Volunteering has long been a vital part of British life, supporting the sick, elderly, and disabled. But volunteer numbers have dwindled over the last 20 years due to more women working, careers demanding more time, numerous leisure distractions, and fading charitable traditions. This shortage has forced many groups to hire paid staff to cover tasks once done for free.
David’s Impact and Awards
“David was awarded a Melvin Jones Fellowship by the Lions Clubs International Foundation in 2005 for his humanitarian work,”
The citation also notes David received a Paul Harris Fellowship from Rotary for his top-notch professional and community service standards. It highlighted his readiness to help anyone in need, his hands-on approach to fundraising, and his welcoming nature at events.
A swanky presentation ceremony is set to take place at London’s Mansion House, where David will be officially awarded the Order of Mercy. The medal itself is a stunning silver gilt piece, designed to echo the original 1899 design featuring Joshua Reynolds’ figure.
