Volunteer award for Emily
A young volunteer who works tirelessly for the cancer support charity ArCaS has been named Young Volunteer of the Year – Arran Locality Winner 2018.
Emily Gillson, from Pirnmill, has received the award for her work in the ArCaS charity shop in Brodick which now spans 10 years and translates to a conservative estimate of 1,150 volunteer hours.
It all began when she was 15 years old and volunteered at the popular charity shop as part of a school placement. Although now at college, she still gives up at least one day a week to help.
ArCaS shop manager Lisa Remmington said: ‘Emily is a very hardworking and dedicated young woman. She is inspirational in her enthusiasm and her won- derful personality fills even the busiest of days with light and joy. Other volunteers working are some 60 years her senior and she is a hugely important member of this team, sharing humour and happiness.
‘Since Emily started, numerous Duke of Edinburgh Award pupils from the high school have completed their volunteer obligations within the shop and subsequently student placements have taken place. I believe this is due in part to how positive Emily works and reinforces her role and the wonderful work of our charity. She is truly committed.
‘Our island is blessed with having a very big heart and a caring community. Emily has been and is a part of our hearts and we are proud to have seen the wonderful young woman she has become within our own.
‘We are reminded that we are all individuals with strengths and challenges. Characters and personalities are as varied as the stars and Emily is a bright example of a wonderful, joyous and spirited person.
‘We are reminded to consider the importance of not just the work completed but the importance of the work to community.’
The Ayrshire Community Trust – partner organisation of the Arran Community and Voluntary Service – decided to run the awards throughout North Ayrshire as part of the national Year of Young People.
There were nominations for a Young Volunteer of the Year in each locality and Emily was chosen as the winner for Arran. The idea of running the awards was to show recognition and appreciation to young volunteers.