The work and achievements of third sector organisations and voluntary groups across the Granite City and beyond were recognised at the inaugural Celebrate Aberdeen Awards this weekend.
The awards aimed to shine the spotlight on the North-east’s charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups, and the individuals who work for and support them.
The glittering event took place at the Aberdeen Exhibition & Conference Centre (AECC) on the evening of Saturday, September 8 and was hosted by broadcasters Jeff and Lauren from Northsound One’s breakfast show.
More than 460 people from the third sector and business community attended the event which saw a total of 11 awards presented on the night.
Each award winner was chosen by a judging panel comprising 14 representatives from the city’s business community, local authority and media outlets.
They were joined by representatives of the business community from organisations sponsoring award categories, including, Nexen Petroleum UK Ltd, CNR International, CALA Homes, GSS Developments and Aberdeen Harbour Board.
The inaugural Celebrate Aberdeen Award winners are:
- Large Charity of The Year – The ARCHIE Foundation
- Small Charity of The Year – Friends of The Neuro Ward
- Social Enterprise of The Year – MeToo!
- Event of The Year – Relay For Life Peterhead
- Campaign of The Year – Benaiah, Teen Challenge
- Volunteer of The Year – Alan Chalmers, Alcohol & Drugs Action
- Young Volunteer of The Year – Dylan Henderson, Police Scotland Youth Volunteers
- Staff Member of The Year – Alastair Meek, Triple A’s
- Fundraiser of The Year – Alana Stott, Heads Together
- Corporate Partnership of The Year – BHGE and Sport Aberdeen
- Heart of The Community – Tracy Johnstone, Charlie House.
Thanks to the support of the local business community, all shortlisted organisations and individuals were able to attend the awards for free.
Celebrate Aberdeen founder, Morven Mackenzie, said: “The inaugural Celebrate Aberdeen Awards were a great success and we’d like to congratulate all of the winners as well as shortlisted organisations and individuals who made it such a memorable night.
“There are so many wonderful charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises in Aberdeen and it’s vitally important that we continue to recognise all of their efforts and thank them publicly for everything that they do to help and support others.
“We began the Celebrate Aberdeen journey back in 2011 when we organised the first third sector parade along Union Street. It has since become an annual event and has grown each year.
“The awards provide another opportunity to showcase the incredible efforts undertaken by our third sector to make a real difference to the lives of so many in our community.”
For more information about Celebrate Aberdeen, please visit: www.celebrateaberdeen.org