Some outstanding examples of third sector organisations, their staff, volunteers and supporters had their achievements recognised at the fifth annual Celebrate Aberdeen Awards at the weekend.
The event at the Chester Hotel was attended by more than 300 people who gathered together to recognise and celebrate the enormous contribution which charities, social enterprises, and voluntary groups and all the individuals who work for and support them make to the wider society.
Twenty-four finalists had been shortlisted for the eight award categories with the winners announced on the night. The award winners were chosen by a judging panel comprising 24 representatives from the business community. The winners represented a broad spectrum of organisations both large and small.
Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust was named Large Organisation of the Year with the award for Small Organisation of the Year going to SensationALL. Individual awards went to Amy-Lee Carr, Community Outreach Group (COG), (Young Supporter of the Year); Fay McLeod, Shelter Scotland (Fundraiser of the Year); Kris Davidson, Befriend A Child (Volunteer of the Year); and Jacquie Innes (Heart of the Community).
Team of the Year went to Befriend A Child while WeToo! Dream Night Series picked up the award for Campaign of the Year.
“This is always such a special night, because it gives us the chance to hear about and share the fantastic work that so many organisations and individuals do to help and support thousands of people across the North-east of Scotland,” said Celebrate Aberdeen volunteer and board member Susan Crighton. “Not only do we have eight great winners, but we also heard about the outstanding contribution that the 16 other finalists make to our society.
“The work they, and the whole of our third sector, do can never be overestimated, and without them, life would be much harder and more challenging for the people they support.
“A huge thanks goes to all our Celebrate Aberdeen supporters. Without them, this just wouldn’t happen. Thanks to their generosity, every shortlisted finalist at the event hosted their own table, completely free of charge. Particular thanks go to our principal sponsors CNOOC International, CNR International and Aberdeen Inspired,” said Susan.
The awards ceremony followed on from two earlier events in the Celebrate Aberdeen calendar. The Celebrate Aberdeen Parade on August 31, which first took place in 2011, saw around 130 organisations with thousands of supporters take part in the annual event.
The following month, a third event was added for the first time when Celebrate Aberdeen, working with a number of partners – ACVO, Mental Health Aberdeen, Shmu, Four Pillars and Aberdeen FC Community Trust – jointly delivered a ‘Mental Health & Wellbeing Event’ at Pittodrie.
Celebrate Aberdeen is planned and run entirely by volunteers. In 2021, the work they do to promote the achievements of others was recognised when the Celebrate Aberdeen team was awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.
The 2024 winners are:
- Young Supporter of the Year – Amy Lee Carr, Community Outreach Group (COG)
- Fundraiser of the Year – Fay McLeod, Shelter Scotland
- Volunteer of the Year – Kris Davidson, Befriend A Child
- Heart of the Community – Jacqui Innes
- Small Organisation of the Year – SensationALL
- Large Organisation of the Year – Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust
- Campaign of the Year – WeToo! Dream Night Series
- Team of the Year – Befriend A Child
