Richard Levy was an audit partner working on the Kisharon accounts when he was asked to become a trustee.

Over the years, Richard has seen two of his children, Benjy and Tami, become volunteers and watched as the level of professionalism at Kisharon has risen to new heights.

“This has been inspirational,” said Richard, whose expertise in finance Kisharon uses to the full.

What keeps Richard involved is how Kisharon steps in to help those who, through no fault of their own, have been dealt challenges in life.

He said Kisharon was ’embedded’ in the community and is especially keen on the Equal Gifts and Homewares shop and the employment placement programme. “It means those supported by Kisharon can go to work like regular people,” he said.

Richard has many fond memories of his time at Kisharon but the day the organisation received acclaim for teaching people with learning disabilities to sing in harmony still makes him chuckle.

Kisharon had booked a professional choir to entertain guests at its fundraising dinner some 15 years ago. The performance was going swimmingly, until one guest, in a loud voice, was heard to comment that she had no idea Kisharon was so good at teaching people to sing!