A Stevenage hairdresser and activist who is a “celebrity in his own right” has been nominated for our Comet Community Awards in the Role Model of the Year category.
Kenny Arnold – who owns and runs the Kenny Arnold salon in Stevenage’s High Street – has been nominated for his work with the community through Stevenage group People for People, as well as his involvement in a campaign to keep The Barclay School from forced academisation.
Louise Caslake, who nominated Kenny, said: “Kenny not only runs a business, but he actively works there and is currently encouraging people with disabilities to spend a day at the salon to gain experience.
“He whole-heartedly strives to ensure people know what is going on in the town and what we can do to help those less fortunate.
“He has a group set up called ‘People for People’ where he helps the homeless, asking for donations to be dropped at his salon in Stevenage’s High Street.
“He encourages others to donate to people in need, rather than throw things away.
“He was also supporter of the campaign group #HandsOffBarclay when we were trying to keep our school under local government.
“He did far more than our MP did. Kenny spoke at the rally held in the town centre with a minute’s notice.
“He really is a fantastic role model and a great voice for the people.
“There’s so much more to list, but he’s a celebrity in his own right!”
Kenny, who founded Stevenage’s People for People group, also penned an open letter to Lewis Hamilton earlier this year after the Formula 1 champion referred to the town at ‘the slums’, calling on him to support those in need in the town.
He also has used to platform to highlight issues such as period poverty and knife crime, and to promote scheme such as Feed Up Warm Up, a pop-up soup kitchen for homeless people.
To nominate someone for one of our 12 categories – which include Carer of the Year, Great and Green, Good Neighbour and Lifetime Achievement – visit cometcommunityawards.co.uk.
Finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony at Stevenage’s Hotel Cromwell on May 16.
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