Shropshire Invited to Celebrate ‘Million Smiles’ Volunteers

The team behind a new community campaign is calling on Shropshire residents to help shine a light on the volunteers whose kindness, commitment, and quiet contributions make a difference to communities right across the county.

As part of its ‘From One Smile to a Million’ campaign, Paycare - the 2026 Health & Wellbeing Partner of Shropshire Festivals - has launched a public call for nominations, inviting people across the region to put forward volunteers who deserve a moment in the spotlight.

Paycare is inviting nominations for volunteers of all kinds - from community groups and local charities to sports clubs, care organisations, and everything in between - celebrating the people who give their time in so many different ways.

Residents can nominate a volunteer by emailing [email protected] with details of who they’re nominating and the reasons why. 

Ant Burns, CEO at Paycare, said: “Shropshire is full of people who quietly make a difference - the ones who show up, help out, and bring joy to others without expecting anything in return.  We want to celebrate those people.  Every nomination helps us share a story that might otherwise go untold, and we’re really excited about shining a light on as many volunteers as possible.”

Nominees will receive a special memento as a small token of thanks for giving up their time for their communities.  A main prize draw will also be held, with the winner receiving a selection of wellbeing goodies, and many of the nominated volunteers will be showcased throughout the campaign across Paycare’s social channels and other platforms.

Nominations will open throughout July, with the campaign running across all of this year’s Shropshire Festivals’ events - from Petal Fields on 3rd August through to Oktoberfest.  The celebration will culminate at the close of the festival season, where prize draw winners will be announced and recognised for the valuable impact they make. 

Ant added: “Volunteers and community have always been at the heart of what Paycare does, and this campaign is a natural extension of that commitment.  We’re incredibly proud to stand alongside Shropshire Festivals in shining a light on the thousands of volunteers who give their time, across so many walks of life, to make Shropshire a better place for everyone.”