Aberdeen City Council is holding a Civic Reception in the Town and County Hall, Town House on Friday, February 7, 2020, in recognition of Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE) winning the Scottish Social Enterprise of the Year Award in November 2019. The Annual General Meeting of CFINE will take place prior to the Civic Reception, starting at 16:30.
The goals of CFINE that permeate its social enterprise and charitable activities are improving health and wellbeing, tackling poverty and building resilience for and with vulnerable, low-income and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities in the North-east.
Dave Simmers, CEO of CFINE said:
“It is an honour for CFINE to be announced as the Scottish Social Enterprise of the Year and also to receive the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service in 2019. We are grateful for the recognition of Aberdeen City Council and for welcoming CFINE, its partners and supporters at a Civic Reception in February.
“We have a successful year behind us, however, CFINE could not achieve such a large-scale positive impact in the community without the support of our partners, funders, local businesses and the public and the dedication of our volunteers, the ‘backbone’ of our operation.
“We hope to continue the growth in 2020, developing and maintaining services that are vital in alleviating and tackling poverty in the North-east.”
The Lord Provost of Aberdeen Barney Crockett said:
“I am very pleased, on behalf of the people of Aberdeen, to host a civic reception for the staff and volunteers of CFINE as a token of appreciation for the outstanding work they do in supporting families and individuals in need to access food and other basic supplies. To many who are experiencing financial difficulties, CFINE provides a lifeline.
“2019 was a marvellous year for CFINE winning Scottish Social Enterprise of the Year and being awarded the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. While I wish that there wasn’t a need for organisations such as CFINE, I wish all the staff and volunteers at CFINE continued success in 2020 and beyond.”
CFINE grew out of two initiatives in the mid-1990s and was registered as a limited company in 2004. The organisation now benefits thousands of individuals and families annually by operating a holistic support system. CFINE does not only address the immediate needs of those on a low income but is also committed to income-maximisation, supporting social networks and skills development which help beneficiaries get by and for many, to return to employment.
Dave Simmers, CEO of CFINE and June Pennykind, MD of Keegan-Pennykind, award sponsor