Perth and Kinross volunteers honoured

May 27 2011 by Gordon Bannerman, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

EVERY year, thousands of volunteers contribute their own time and skills to their communities in Perth and Kinross.

Now it’s their turn to be on the receiving end.

Tonight’s Volunteer of the Year Awards will recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions made by local people and organisations of all ages.

The annual celebration event is organised by Voluntary Action Perthshire, the community engagement department of the local charity PKAVS.

Up to 80 volunteers and charity representatives have been invited to attend this prestigious event in Perth’s Salutation Hotel.

Nominations for five categories were received and a panel of judges have selected the winners – a closely-guarded secret until the awards are announced on the night.

George Millar, manager of Voluntary Action Perthshire, explained: “No-one goes away empty-handed. Every person nominated for their volunteering efforts will receive a special certificate in recognition of their remarkable contributions to their communities.

“This year, for the first time, each award is being sponsored by local voluntary organisations and social enterprises.”

Awards include:

l Young Volunteering Group of the Year, sponsored by Wood Again, an innovative social enterprise dedicated to recycling wood into quality marketable products.

l Young Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Live Active Leisure.

l New Citizen Award for Volunteering, sponsored by Perth and Kinross Access Group who promote a barrier-free environment for people with a range of disabilities.

l Adult Volunteering Group of the Year, sponsored by the event hosts, Voluntary Action Perthshire.

l Volunteer of the Year, sponsored by Giraffe Community Interest Company and Check In Works, inclusive organisations promoting employment, support and opportunities for disadvantaged adults.

Voluntary Action Perthshire is the lead agency for promoting and developing volunteering within Perth and Kinross.