We love what we do... but a night like this is such a great honour
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS 2017... A DECADE OF DEDICATION
OUR city’s unsung heroes had their moment in the spotlight last night as the Glasgow Community Champions were crowned.
The banqueting hall at City Chambers was transformed into the biggest and best party venue in town as more than 400 people paid tribute to our 2017 stars.
The event, supported by our partners Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, Glasgow Housing Association, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service and Police Scotland, was a fantastic success.
Ten awards were presented on the night, including the Lord Provost’s Award which went to Selina Hales, founder of Refuweegee, and a special Editor’s Award, presented to community stalwart and former chief executive of the Glasgow Older People’s Welfare Association, Sheena Glass.
A gobsmacked Selina said: “I am utterly overwhelmed. I said at the beginning of the night it didn’t matter if you didn’t win at these events, because you are surrounded by so many amazing people doing incredible things. This is a real honour.”
Refuweegee provides welcome packs, including muchloved ‘letters fae the locals’ to people newly arrived in the city, often fleeing from war and persecution. The popular project has grown from an online campaign to a place where people can volunteer, gain work experience and develop strong community links.
Sheena Glass has been a huge supporter of the Community Champions programme making hundreds of nominations over the years – and never putting herself forward.
She has also worked tirelessly for the older people of the city who, in her words, “should not be ignored, nor pushed to one side, nor forgotten.”
The Team Award went to Fuse Youth Work, who have been running activities for young people in the north east for 10 years. As well as drama sessions, sports clubs and youth employment groups, they hold drugs and alcohol awareness events and much more.
Volunteer Paul Brady said: “We are surprised and delighted. We’re proud of what we have achieved and it’s great to get recognition for it.”
One-woman whirlwind Marilyn Cunningham, who runs Clyde Community Hall, won the Individual Award.
The popular hall runs youth clubs, fitness sessions, charity nights and community events, and Marilyn is at the heart of it all.
She said: “I needed a stretcher to get me up on to that stage – I can’t believe it. I don’t do this for awards, I do it because I love it.”
The wonderful Family Addiction Support Service won the Public Service Award. It helps families coping with addiction, providing training and bereavement counselling and