The Courier & Advertiser (Angus and Dundee)
Charities up for awards
Courier Country has come out strong as the finalists of the Scottish Charity Awards are announced.
Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.
The Yard, which runs adventure play services for disabled children in Dundee, is in the running for campaign of the year for Our Kids Won’t Wait.
It called for the Scottish Government to rethink the decision to roll forward the Children and Young People Early Intervention Fund, saying it was “penalising” charities supporting families with disabled children.
Mary Hepburn, who gives up her time for Fife Rape and Sexual Assault Centre, is shortlisted for volunteer of the year.
David Corstorphine from Fife, who volunteers for the RNLI, also made the finals in this category.
Feeling Strong, which supports young people in Dundee who have experienced a mental health or wellbeing challenge, is in the running for community impact.
Fife Young Carers also made the finals for charity of the year – turnover over £500k.
In the digital difference category, Perth Theatre and Concert Hall and Strathearn Arts have been selected.
The shortlist is made up of 39 individuals and organisations from charities and voluntary groups across Scotland.
Judges will determine the winners of 10 core categories, while members of the public can submit a vote for the People’s Choice Award until May 24.
Anna Fowlie, chief executive of SCVO, said: “We’re very excited to bring you the 2024 Scottish Charity Awards.
“It’s been another record-breaking year with nearly 500 entries, so arriving at the 39 finalists has been really difficult.
“The finalists demonstrate just how essential the voluntary sector is to Scottish society, with dedicated organisations and individuals going above and beyond to make a positive and often lifechanging impact in their communities.
“The public has the chance to celebrate each of our finalists through the People’s Choice vote which is now open, so don’t miss your opportunity to get involved and get behind your favourite by voting.”
Winners will be announced on June 20 in a ceremony at the Raddison Blu in Glasgow.