Voluntary sector heroes wins awards

Dec 1 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

volunteers

WEST Lothian’s unsung heroes were given their moment in the spotlight at this year’s Volunteer Awards.

The event, run by Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian at the Hilcroft Hotel in Whitburn, saw volunteers presented with accolades in recognition of their work in the community.

Jim Gallacher, Gateway chief executive, said: “In the voluntary sector every single day brings its own rewards and surprises; the variety is infinite, as are the challenges.

“Volunteers in West Lothian, however, always rise to the occasion and this year nearly 70 nominations were received for the various awards.

“The independent judging panel had a difficult time making their final choices because, in effect, everyone’s a winner and deserving of praise and recognition.”

Tables were sponsored by local organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors, and judges Kenny Murphy (Falkirk CVS), Gordon Allan (Unity Bank) and Councillor Isabel Hutton considered the nominations and selected the winners in each category.

The winners were: Volunteer of the Year – Frank Reekie; Young Volunteer of the Year – Jamie Brechin; Volunteers Manager of the Year – Agnes McKenna; Active Citizenship Award – Youth for Lourdes Group at St Margaret’s Academy; Sports Volunteers of the Year – No Limits Sports Club; Community Arts Volunteers – Linlithgow Folk Festival Association; Board Member of the Year – Andrew Blyth; Voluntary/Community Group of the Year – Citizens Advice Bureau West Lothian; Employer Supported Volunteers – a group of staff from BCF Technology; and Social Enterprise of the Year – Kidzeco.

Highly Commended volunteers in each category and young MV Awards winners were also acknowledged and Kathleen Ross-Hale and Margaret Johnstone each received Lifetime Achievement Awards for their years of contribution to various charitable projects throughout West Lothian.

In addition, Judges Discretion/Special Awards were given to Michael Shanks and Jemma Boyle.

Sir Tom Farmer, guest of honour at the event, commented: “It was an absolute pleasure to attend this year’s Volunteer Awards.

“The work of the volunteers and voluntary organisations in West Lothian is an example to all as to what can be achieved when people work together for the benefit of others.

“West Lothian Council are fulsome in their support for the Voluntary Sector – that is what partnership working is all about.”

Any organisations that would like to sponsor a table at future events, or individuals interested in volunteering, should contact Voluntary Sector Gateway West Lothian, 36-40 North Bridge Street, Bathgate; telephone 01506 650111 or visit www.vsgwl.org.