Susan is young volunteer of the year
An S6 pupil from Campbeltown Grammar School (CGS) has been selected from people across Argyll and Bute to be named young volunteer of the year. Susan Shaw, 17, was ‘delight- ed’ to receive the honour at the Volunteer of the Year Awards, organised by Argyll and Bute Third Sector Interface (TSI), in Helensburgh. The event, on September 7, celebrated the contribution volunteers make to communities, from manning charity shop counters, supporting carers, carrying out beach cleans or just being a friend to someone in need. Categories included regional heroes, individual volunteer of the year, health volunteer of the year and Susan’s highly commended young volunteer of the year. Susan was nominated for the award by CGS, for her hard work supporting her peers and being involved in the school’s CGS4Gambia project. Susan told the Courier: ‘I have volunteered at several sports clubs for a few years now, including girls’ club, girls’ rugby, badminton and tennis clubs and the junior rugby club. ‘I feel very much part of a team and thoroughly enjoy spending my spare time helping clubs that I have benefited from.’ Susan visited Gambia as a member of CGS4Gambia where she volunteers as part of global citizenship. ‘I would like to thank CGS for nominating me for this award,’ said Susan, ‘I am very humbled to have been part of a very special day, in the company of several people who give their time to excellent causes and charities within Argyll and Bute.’ Agnes Stewart of CGS4Gambia said: ‘Susan has done an incredible 612 hours of volunteering, with 351 of these hours being for CGS4Gambia. Well done Susan, we are all very proud of you.’ Kintyre’s regional hero, Alex McKinven, 74, was recognised for his commitment to five separate organisations: Old Pals (secretary), Heritage Walks (guide), Pupils Football Club (chair), Mull of Kintyre Music Festival (funding secretary) and the Community Football Club (chair). A spokesperson from Argyll TSI said: ‘Volunteering takes time, commitment and a lot of hard work – so it is only right that we say thank you to all those who provide so much support for our communities.’