Attendees from across Aberdeen gathered at Woodside Community Centre to recognise the invaluable contributions of local volunteers. The event, which was organised and hosted by the team at shmu, paid tribute to the individuals and organisations dedicating their time and efforts to improving life in the city.
“We’re so proud to host this celebration,” said Sarah Igesund, Senior Adult Development Worker.
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at shmu. This event is about shining a light on all their amazing efforts and it is a joy to see so many people come together this evening to celebrate one another.”
The highlight of the night was the ‘Bee You’ Award ceremony, presented in memory of the late Angela Joss who was a hardworking, selfless advocate for all things community and volunteering in Aberdeen.
A short film, produced by shmu’s Multimedia Mob, introduced the three inspiring finalists – Phionna McInnes from We Too!, Dave Ironside from AFC Community Trust and Sarah-Jane Foxen from Danestone Community Council – showcasing the impactful work they do across the city.
Following the screening, Phionna McInnes was announced as the 2025 Angela Joss Award winner.
“Angela was such a force for good and such a force of connection – connecting people to make good stuff happen,” said Phionna.
“I think it’s really important to have Angela’s legacy live on through this Award and it’s important that we don’t forget the work that she started and that we all make a commitment to make sure it keeps going.
“We don’t shout enough about the volunteering that is done in this city. There’s good stuff happening in Aberdeen. What an absolute privilege to win this year’s award, thank you.”
Fellow finalists Sarah and Dave were gracious and enthusiastic in their support.
“I think it’s a great honour to have been nominated,” said Sarah. “To hear there were over 60 other nominees and then becoming one of the top three finalists has been amazing. It’s been such an amazing turnout tonight and congratulations to worthy winner Phionna.”
“Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do at shmu. This event is about shining a light on all their amazing efforts and it is a joy to see so many people come together this evening to celebrate one another.” – Sarah Igesund, Senior Adult Development Worker
Dave added: “It’s been a phenomenal night. I’ve been so chuffed to have made it to the top three finalists. It just shows you there’s a lot of good work that goes on in Aberdeen done by so many unseen workers and unheralded people. Phionna is an absolute force of nature and truly deserves the win.”
Steve Joss, Angela’s husband, shared heartfelt words about the ongoing legacy of the Award: “Angela would be so proud. She spent so much time volunteering. Without these people, the city would be a lot worse off. It’s nice to see so many people being nominated this year and Angela would have been so proud of them getting the recognition they truly deserve.”
The evening ended on a high, full of appreciation and inspiration – a fitting tribute to Aberdeen’s thriving community of volunteers during this special week of celebration and recognition.
This article originally appeared in the July 2025 edition of ACVO News, our free monthly digital magazine for and from the the third sector in Aberdeen. Read the current and past editions, and sign up to our mailing list, at acvo.org.uk/acvo-news
