AWARDS FOR THE ACTION HEROES WHO BOOST UNITY IN THE COMMUNITY
By Stewart McCulloch, Chairman of Crimestoppers Scotland
The Community Unity Awards staged at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Glasgow’s waterfront on March 31st 2006 highlighted and rewarded some of those who, in one way and another, have dedicated themselves to giving something back – ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary achievements through pride, passion, determination and courage. Six winners were ‘crowned’ as local heroes after a wave or concerted efforts on their part to restore hope and viability in our communities.
They have touched the lives of others through their generosity and these prestigious awards celebrate the power of individual goodwill, encourage community pride and focus energy on Scotland’s most valuable resource, its people.
Following the ceremony our website and newspaper Scotland Connect will exhibit the portraits from the project and the good news stories that accompany them.
“It is no exaggeration to say that these stalwarts in our communities have almost single-handedly helped to transform the profile to their local communities. By their very nature they never they never seek to project themselves so in our view it is up to organisations such as those who backed our competition – One Nation, One Scotland, The Royal Bank of Scotland, SAGA 105.2fm and Radio Clyde – to show our combined appreciation of what these outstanding citizens are doing to improve the environment and people’s quality of life.”
Community Unity Award recipients (see picture) embody the spirit of giving and participation and are a source of encouragement and inspiration to us all.
Glasgow OAP Sadie Gordon has a heart of gold according to the many young people.
And now her unstinting efforts over 30 years to give them the best possible start in life has led to her being honoured by our crime beating charity.
Sadie, 65, was one of six ‘outstanding citizens’ from across Scotland who picked up awards for their extraordinary achievements.
Her youth diversionary activities in Saracen, Possilpark and Keppoch districts of Glasgow has involved taking 32 locals children to a summer camp for a fortnight every year; setting up an internet café where she volunteers her time two nights a week; the popular Possil Young Futures she set up in 2002 to provide activities three nights a week for youths who were getting involved in gangs.
And finally, to add extra sparkle to her amazing list of Good Samaritan Acts she organizes and fundraises for the Christmas light parade every year!
Sadie won the ‘Local Hero’ 50 and over category and got an 8-day super cruise courtesy of SAGA 105.2 fm.
The other five recipients each received a £750 cheque from Crimestoppers Scotland.
Parliament Minister Margaret Curran MSP was invited to open the envelopes containing the winners names by BBC presenter Laura Seawright …and handed each of them in turn with a handsome crystal trophy.
Media students from Cardonald College in Glasgow filmed interviews with the winners and clips of what contestants had done to impress the judges were shown to an appreciative 300-strong gathering before everyone lived it up to music from Radio Clyde 2 DJ Bill Smith.
Celebrated after-dinner speaker Frances McMenamin QC had the audience pleading for more with a scintillating performance making this a night to remember.
The Roll of Honour also included…
- Teenager Laurie Matthew who scooped the Community Safety (18 and under) category. A voluntary worker within rape crisis Laurie (18) developed a VIP personal safety programme for youngsters and reduced fear of crime among the elderly with a ground-breaking personal safety plan.
- Contender in the ‘Young Citizen’ category Claire Simmers of Ellon, Aberdeenshire caught the judge’s eye with her novel ‘Make a Difference’ project which slashed the numbers of young people hanging about drinking alcohol by making them more aware of the consequences of their actions. Parents also have a wider understanding of the issues facing young people thanks to her work.
- The Integration prize winner was Mrs Phakhawan Gibson from Dumfries who encouraged the Thai population of Scotland ( mainly women) to organise and set small voluntary groups to integrate and show their culture to the general public. She then brought these groups together and create a hub of activities and events around Scotland.
- Zoe Brook from Queens Park in Glasgow helped raise social responsibility and increased tolerance through her participatory workshops teaching art, design and performance skills at her Bazooka Arts group.
- And finally, The Regeneration accolade went to David McFarlane from Aberdeen who is an active member of Grampian Neighbourhood Watch and known affectionately as ‘Mr Green’ for his unstinting efforts to promote anti-litter projects. Thanks to his good work, David has also half the number of break ins in his area and strengthened ‘community spirit’. He was also instrumental in the setting up of a new skateboard park.
All too often groups of modest people who have ‘given something back’ by unselfishly helping others are forgotten. The Community Unity Awards recognised those amazing people doing extraordinary things.
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