Charity champ Anne Marie is honoured
Community Transport founder is named Citizen of theYear
16.12.2017 A well-known community stalwart has been named Citizen of the Year for 2017.
Anne Marie Kennedy, 74, who runs her own volunteer-led charity East Renfrewshire Community Transport, picked up the award for her dedication in helping people across the area.
The charity aims to support those living with a disability, or financial or other hardships.
Anne Marie, from Barrhead, manages an amazing 47 volunteer drivers, who help people get to medical appointments and ensure residents are out and about meeting each other and attending local activities.
She was presented with her award at a full meeting of East Renfrewshire Council.
“I am delighted to have received this award,” she said.
“I am very passionate about what I do. However, it would not be possible without all the volunteers who give up their time to help their community.
“A massive thank you and well done goes to them.”
Since setting up the charity almost two decades ago, Anne Marie has also successfully raised funds for three people carriers that are accessible to those living with a disability.
In 2017 alone, she has arranged 54 shopping trips for 208 older people and 40 afternoon teas for 359 older people.
Anne Kidd, who nominated Anne Marie for the award, said: “I believe that the passion Anne Marie brings to public life in East Renfrewshire, her commitment to raising awareness of the good work that goes on here and her dedication to the people that participate in her services is inspirational and make her a worthy candidate for this award.”
Provost Jim Fletcher said: “It is an honour to be presenting this year’s award to Anne Marie, who is a very inspirational woman in our community.
“For more than 17 years, she has dedicated herself to ensuring local people’s voices are heard and safe, quality services are delivered to those in need.
“I meet people every day who are going above and beyond and Anne Marie is a fine example of someone making a real difference in our community. “Her work is exceptionally commendable. “Well done and keep up the fantastic work.”