The Town House, Haddington was the place to be on Wednesday night (7th December) when the brand new Scottish volunteering awards for young people were launched at a lively celebration, kick-started by local band, Diamond Rush. Supported by the Scottish Government, the Saltire Awards are for volunteers between the ages of 12 & 25 and aim to recognise the commitment and achievements of young volunteers and thank them for the fantastic contribution that they make to the local community.
An audience of young volunteers, their friends, family and voluntary organisations, were piped into the hall by Katie Holton and welcomed to the event by
Young people can opt to volunteer as part of a team and undertake a Saltire Challenge such as organising a fund raising event, helping out at a marathon or fun run or doing a beach clean up. Alternatively they can volunteer as an individual and make a regular commitment to help out at a local charity or voluntary organisation.
Councillor Ruth Currie presented certificates to 50 young people who had already achieved Saltire Awards by volunteering with organisations such as East Lothian Special Needs Playscheme, North Berwick Youth Café, East Lothian Youth Council, Muirfield Riding Therapy and Interesk Café (to name but a few).
Whilst the Awards are open to all young people who volunteer there is a special award which organisations can nominate volunteers for, The Summit, which is for an outstanding contribution to volunteering and the recipients are chosen by a panel of young volunteers. The first two recipients of The Summit were announced as Abby Farrell from Dunbar who volunteers at Dunbar Day Centre & Elaine White from Haddington who has been helping out at Haddington Museum HQ and Hilton Lodge Nursing Home.
Cllr Ruth Currie, East Lothian Council's Young People's Champion said 'one thing is sure, volunteering makes a difference. It makes a difference to the communities and people these young people have served. However, volunteering also makes a difference to the volunteer, helping them grow as people who have made a difference to our society. I am so proud of the achievements I have heard about tonight, it is clear the spirit of the Saltire Awards is flying proud over
Anyone interested in finding out more about the Saltire Awards please click here otherwise contact Volunteer Centre East Lothian on 0131 665 3300
