Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), a charity and social enterprise based in Aberdeen, have been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.
The Lord Provost will present CFINE with the Queen’s Award on Tuesday, July 30, at CFINE headquarters.
CFINE support 350 volunteers throughout a year, three of whom have volunteered at CFINE for over 11 years. CFINE’s army of volunteers involves a wide age-range from teens to 70s.
Some volunteers are completing their Duke of Edinburgh Award, while others are adults with additional needs or learning difficulties. They are the backbone of the organisation; giving up their free time to help with tasks such as making up food parcels, operating a food bank and Community Food Outlets (CFOs), administration, warehousing and so on.
The hard work of its volunteers allows CFINE to alleviate and work towards terminating poverty in the North-east.
Dave Simmers, CFINE chief executive officer said: “CFINE volunteers, staff, management and the board are looking forward to the honour of being presented with this most distinctive award for voluntary service by the Lord Provost on Tuesday, July 30. CFINE simply could not function without our volunteers whose time and energy is much appreciated. The incredible staff team with our volunteers mean we can provide support to thousands of beneficiaries annually.”
Lesley DeJager, CFINE chairperson said: “I feel honoured to be chairperson of CFINE, an innovative, dynamic charity benefiting thousands – and our volunteers, who give so much, are the ‘backbone’ of the organisation. Thanks to all our volunteers and to the fabulous staff team who support them.”