Charlie House has been presented with its Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service from Aberdeen’s Lord Lieutenant, Dr David Cameron and the Vice Lord Lieutenant, Andrew Lawtie at a celebratory event.
Having been awarded the prestigious accolade earlier this year, Charlie House hosted a reception for its staff and volunteers at its headquarters to mark the physical presentation, celebrating the outstanding work they do to support babies, children and young people with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.
During the event, Lord Lieutenant Dr David Cameron presented Chair and Founder of Charlie House, Tracy Johnstone with a certificate and commemorative crystal.
Tracy said: “Volunteers are vital to Charlie House. We provide a wide range of support and services to families across the north-east of Scotland and volunteers help us to do this.
“Roles are wide-ranging and far-reaching and include helping at activities, donating time behind the scenes, fundraising to support our work and helping out at events. These are just a few examples of ways Charlie House volunteers help to support children and families.”
The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to mark the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and it recognises and celebrates the difference that is made by volunteering. The award is the highest given to local voluntary groups and is the equivalent of an MBE.
Joan Cowie, Volunteer and Information Co-ordinator at Charlie House added: “The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is testament to our wonderful volunteers. It recognises the time, effort and skills they bring to Charlie House and we’re extremely grateful to each and every one of them.”
Lord Lieutenant Dr David Cameron said: “It was a delight to bestow this thoroughly deserved Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service to Charlie House and its founder Tracy Johnstone.
“It has been an incredible journey since 2011 for Charlie House and the work, support and care that it gives is invaluable for families across the north-east of Scotland.”
Tracy founded Charlie House in 2011 after she had to travel more than 100 miles to the nearest support facility for her son Louis.
Since then, she has worked tirelessly to improve the local support available and earlier this year was named as national Platinum Champion as part of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations, honouring her volunteer work.