Befriend a Child is thrilled to have been named a finalist in the Large Organisation of the Year category at the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards 2026, with Senior Marketing and Communications Co-ordinator and volunteer befriender Morgan Dunn also shortlisted for Young Supporter of the Year.
The double finalist recognition celebrates the charity’s ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable children and young people across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire, alongside the dedication of the people who help make its work possible.
For over 50 years, Befriend a Child has supported children and young people experiencing disadvantage through one-to-one befriending, mentoring, family support, group activities and youth clubs. By building trusted relationships and creating opportunities for positive experiences, the charity helps children develop confidence, reduce social isolation and experience the joy of simply being a child.
The Large Organisation of the Year nomination recognises the collective efforts of the charity’s staff, volunteers, supporters and partners. Over the past year, Befriend a Child has continued to strengthen its services and impact, while responding to increasing demand, recruiting and supporting volunteers, developing corporate partnerships and delivering successful fundraising initiatives. From regular volunteer outings, community campaigns, events and the time dedicated from individuals and community groups taking on a fundraising challenge, this work helps ensure children can access the relationships, experiences and opportunities they need to thrive.
Befriend a Child celebrates double finalist recognition at Celebrate Aberdeen Awards
Sarah Misra, CEO at Befriend a Child, said: “We are absolutely delighted to be named finalists in these two categories. This recognition reflects the remarkable dedication of our staff, volunteers and supporters, who work together to create brighter futures for children across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. Every day, we see the difference that trusted relationships and positive experiences can make, and we are incredibly proud of the community that makes this possible.”
Morgan’s individual nomination recognises her commitment to Befriend a Child, both in and beyond her professional role. Before joining the team as a staff member, Morgan volunteered for two years in the Fundraising and Marketing department while completing her university studies, supporting upcoming events, sponsored challenges and the Giving Tree Appeal at Christmas. She has since continued her commitment as a volunteer befriender for more than three years, building a meaningful and consistent friendship with her befriendee, offering encouragement and support, and creating opportunities to try new activities.
Alongside this, Morgan has made a significant contribution through her professional role at Befriend a Child. Her campaigns have helped increase volunteer recruitment enquiries by 50%, encouraging more people to take the next step and apply to become a volunteer. She also led this year’s two-day Boogie Boozy Brunch, which welcomed more than 500 guests and raised over £52,000 to support the charity’s work with local children and young people.
Morgan Dunn said: “It means so much to be recognised for something that brings together two things I care deeply about, supporting my befriendee and helping more children and young people access the same opportunities through my work at Befriend a Child. I’m proud to be part of a team and volunteer community that makes such a positive difference to children’s lives across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.”
Ahead of the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards at the end of the month, the team is looking forward to celebrating alongside fellow finalists and recognising the incredible work taking place across the region.
The Celebrate Aberdeen Awards will take place on Saturday 31st October 2026 at The Chester Hotel, Aberdeen.
If you would like to learn more about Befriend a Child and the work they do across region, please visit their website here – https://www.befriendachild.org.uk/