Stars back Euro volunteers bid
High–profile stars of the screen and sport have backed Stirling’s bid to bring the title of European Volunteering Capital to Scotland for the first time.
The city is bidding to claim the title and will be up against the Italian city of Padua.
Representatives of Stirling’s bid team – Volunteer Scotland, StirlingshireVoluntary Enterprise and Stirling Council – will travel to Brussels tomorrow (Thursday) to make their case to the judging panel.
A host of stars have now thrown their support behind the bid.
Stirling University alumnus and European Captain for the 2019 Solheim Cup, Catriona Matthew said: “Any participation events, no matter what their size, are reliant on volunteers – they are often the unsung heroes.”
Fellow alumnus, the playwright and author Alan Bissett has also voiced his support:“I’d love to see Europe taking notice of Stirling’s unique charm and historical importance, as well as the generosity of its people. Volunteering is something which is good for the soul and for society, whether it’s helping out in a local charity shop or being patron of an organisation that does important work. There are all sorts of opportunities in Stirling to get involved with, and this award would be a great focus for that.”
Stirling–born actress, Simone Lahbib who returned to city in August this year as chieftain of the Highland Games, added:“I’m really keen for the city to get the recognition it deserves. As patron of local charity the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund, which was set up in memory of my niece, I’ve witnessed first–hand how committed the Stirling community are to helping local good causes. Our family have been overwhelmed by how generous people have been with their time and skills to support Eilidh’s dream of building a respite home for children affected by cancer and their families.”
Scotland’s politicians as well as over 140 local businesses have also thrown their weight behind the campaign.
Former First Minister of Scotland and Stirling Council leader Jack McConnell, now Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale, said: “Stirling’s bid to become European Capital of Volunteering 2020 has my full support. From the town out to the university and across the rural communities, residents of Stirling volunteer at all ages and in all communities. Becoming European Capital of Volunteering would recognise all of those considerable efforts across many diverse communities and age groups, but it would also set an ambitious target to increase volunteering and therefore strengthen our communities further.”
Stirling MP Stephen Kerr lodged an early day motion at the House of Commons. He said:“Across Stirling there is an outstanding record of people contributing their time and effort in so many ways. I’m calling on all Scottish MPs to support the bid by signing the Early Day Motion I have lodged in the House of Commons and it would be well deserved if Stirling was named volunteering capital of Europe.”
The winner will be announced on December 5, International Volunteer Day.