Thursday 7th June was the final day of Volunteers Week and we brought it to a suitable close by hosting the Volunteer Awards 2018 at The City Quay to recognise and celebrate the hard work and dedication of Dundee’s Volunteers and their Volunteer Managers.
In Dundee, we have over 26,000 adults who give up their time to various causes and charities across the City. We wanted to take the opportunity to recognise those volunteers who have given so much back to their communities through their volunteering and those who support volunteers and give them an excellent volunteering experience.
There were 6 Award categories and we received over 50 nominations for the Awards.
Volunteer of the Year
This Award is for a volunteer who has shown dedication and commitment throughout the year and gone above and beyond in their volunteering role. Sponsored by MMG Archbold.
The winner of this Award was Cathie Rae who volunteers for Dundee Community Cars. Runners up were Declan Cowan from Link Up Whitfield and Robert Simpson from Brae Riding for the Disabled.
Picture – Cathie receiving her Award.
Kathryn Mackenzie Make A Difference Award
Someone who has given a little bit extra and made a difference to a person or an organisation. An inspirational person in both what they do and how they do it. Sponsored by Showcase the Street.
Winner of this Award was Tammie Brown from Link UP Whitfield. Runners up – Frank Robertson from Dundee City Council Regeneration Team and Rev Erik Cramb from Dundee Funeral Poverty Action Group.
Picture – Tammie with her Award.
Volunteer Team of the Year
This Award is for a team of volunteers who have gone the extra mile to make a difference in the community. It could be a team who took part in a one-off volunteering project or who regularly volunteer as a team. Sponsored by Dundee Social Enterprise Network.
The winning team was Ninewells Community Garden with Dundee Safe Zone and St John Scotland Patient Transport Team as Runners up.
Picture – Representatives of the Ninewells Community Garden Team.
Volunteer Manager/Coordinator of the Year
They ensure that their volunteers feel valued and their contribution is recognised and are always seeking new opportunities to develop and further enhance the volunteering experience. Sponsored by Volunteer Dundee.
Winner of this category was Rizwan Rafik from Yusuf Youth Initiative and the Runners up were Joanne Kelly from Link Up Whitfield and Jan Bell from Home From Hospital Service.
Picture – Rizwan with his Award and Winner’s Certificate.
Trustee/Board Member of the Year
A trustee or board member who has demonstrated excellent leadership skills, who has supported their organisation to change, develop or grow and who understand good governance in the Third Sector. Sponsored by Lyndsays Solicitors.
The winner of this Award was Peter Rice from Tayside Council on Alcohol with the Runners up being Ron Neave from Finmill Centre Local Management Group and Fintry Community Council & Safety Panel, and Jean MacKenzie Stott from Relationship Scotland And Family Mediation Tayside And Fife.
(Peter was unable to attend the Awards ceremony so a colleague from Tayside Council on Alcohol collected it on his behalf.)
Lifetime Achievement Award
This final Award is for a person who has given their time and commitment over many years, who through their dedication and hard work have supported an organisation and people in Dundee. Sponsored by Caledonia Housing Association.
The winner was Ron Neave from Finmill Centre Local Management Group and also Fintry Community Council & Safety Panel. Runners up were Jean Lobban from Grey Lodge Settlement and Avril Phillips from Discovery Credit Union.
Picture – Ron receiving his Award from Gary Flew from Caledonia Housing Association.
And the Volunteer Dundee Team
Thanks to everyone who made the Awards possible. Everyone who made a nomination, to all the Nominees, the Finalists and the Winners. The Sponsors of the Awards, The Quay for the venue. It was a fantastic night and we are ready to do it all again next year!
A final thanks to the 26,000 other adult volunteers in Dundee who give up their time to help the community.