Community Champion nominations flood in

NOMINATIONS have been flooding in for Dundee’s Champion Awards – with even more of the city’s local heroes being put in the spotlight.

Dozens of individuals and groups from around Dundee are in the running for this year’s awards – but there is still time to nominate your community champion in each of the categories listed below.

Evening Telegraph editor Dave Lord, who is a member of the judging panel, said: “It is fantastic to see the nominations pouring in for our Dundee’s Champion Awards.

“So many people go that extra mile to help out in their community – from charity efforts and sporting endeavours to simply getting the shopping in for an elderly or infirm neighbour.

“The global pandemic has, of course, touched every area of life and it goes without saying it is an experience none of us would ever want to repeat.

“However, if there has been any kind of silver lining to what has been a very dark cloud, it has surely been the way in which communities have pulled together – whether it be to entertain, inform or assist.

“There are hundreds of unsung heroes right across this wonderful city of ours and these awards represent a great way to recognise some of them. Get nominating now!”

If you know of a business which has gone above and beyond during these unprecedented times, or perhaps key workers who have shown the importance of team working and have been by each other’s sides throughout the pandemic, then nominate them now.

The award ceremony, sponsored by Ninja Kiwi, is being held virtually on Friday September 25 and will be hosted

Through a lifetime of thoughtfulness or by an act of courage or kindness, this individual or group exemplifies the essence of community spirit. From a neighbour to a whole street, the winner of the Community Award will be selfless in their actions and care for others around them. The winner will be someone who has gone out of their way to make a difference and help those who live within their community/Dundee.

In difficult times this individual or group have embraced their creative sides and provided a form of light-hearted entertainment to lift the spirits of others. This award will be presented to anyone who has done anything from dancing in the street to hosting virtual events such as pub quizzes or musical shows. by Tele columnist and Homes Under The Hammer presenter Martel Maxwell.

One local business supporting the event is affordable housing association, Hillcrest Homes, which is sponsoring the charity category.

With more than 50 years of experience, Hillcrest Homes is one of Scotland’s largest housing associations, and is known for its tenant care and support, housing and service quality and effective management of more than 7,000 properties for social rent across the east of Scotland.

Hillcrest chief executive Angela Linton said: “As a Dundee-based company we know how well the people in this area rise to a challenge.

“During this crisis we have witnessed first-hand so many examples of people going above and beyond and showing innovation and determination to reduce the impact on those most vulnerable.

“We’re delighted to be sponsoring the Charity Champion Award and showing our support to something that will truly showcase the heroes in our area and give recognition where it is due.”

Despite it being a testing time for businesses especially, this firm will be one which has gone above and beyond to help vulnerable people or communities. Undeterred by the current climate, the winning business has put itself out there to maintain contact with its customers – new and regular – and continue to tirelessly serve them or provide a service.

This category will honour those incredible and selfless individuals who have dedicated themselves to helping Dundee charities. The judges are looking for those who have worked well as a team to raise funds or someone who has taken on a lone challenge – the award will not be based on total funds raised but on the creativity and effort that has gone into the fundraising campaign.

Recognising that both mental and physical health is important, especially when times are tough, the winner of this category could be an individual or well-known business. Despite people being confined to their homes, the winning candidate will have continued to provide a service – from virtual fitness classes to online exercise guides. The judges also want to hear from sporting firms or individuals who may have launched their own campaigns or started a new initiative, keeping Dundee engaged with its activities.

This award is open to individuals under the age of 20 who have shown wisdom beyond their years, selflessly taking it upon themselves to spread positivity and help others within their community. Undeterred by their young years, they have bravely tried to make a difference in a troubling time.

The judges will present this award to an individual key worker who has tirelessly worked to help others, going beyond what is expected of them. The key worker could be a passionate teacher who has used innovative ideas to deliver youngsters an education, a caring health worker who always puts others before themselves and always maintains a positive outlook, or a hard-working police officer on the beat who is determined to keep our communities safe. An extraordinary person, the winner will inspire others.

Being able to work together in times of need is essential. This group of key workers know all too well that working together side-by-side, day-to-day is key to achieving the best results. From a ward of passionate nurses to a team of dedicated doctors, considerate care home colleagues, to a police duo who work hard to keep us safe – the judges want to hear from the ultimate Dundee dream teams.

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