UNSUNG heroes from every corner of the city had their moment in the spotlight last night at the Glasgow Community Champions Grand Final.
The banqueting hall at the City Chambers played host to the most uplifting awards bash of the year, run by the Glasgow Times in association with Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association and Trades House Glasgow.
Nine awards were presented on the night, including the Lord Provost’s Special Recognition Award which went to Glasgow Baby Food Bank. The charity also triumphed in the Public Service category.
Catherine Yuill, one of the mums who started the charity, which provides nappies, baby food and other essentials to families in need, said: “It’s overwhelming even to think we made it to the grand final. We are proud of what we have achieved, and this is just amazing.”
The Team Award went to PEEK (Possibilities for Each and Every Kid) who provided food, activity and wellbeing packs and online play, art and cooking sessions to families struggling to cope during the pandemic.
Heather Bryson won the Individual Award for her incredible fundraising efforts and support of people with dementia during lockdown.
At just nine years old, the Robroyston schoolgirl is the youngest ever winner of this category. Fraser Devine, driving force behind men’s mental health charity Men Matter Scotland, received a commendation in this category.
READ MORE: Glasgow Community Champion Awards regional winners announced
The Uniformed Services Award went to Glasgow’s Quit Your Way teams, which offer week to week support to those who find it hardest to stop smoking.
Che Gallagher, who is 12, won the Young Award in recognition of his fantastic fundraising efforts. He has supported Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) since the death of his older brother in 2017 and has banked thousands of pounds for them and other good causes across Scotland.
The Sports Award was presented to karate club JKS Glasgow, run by Seon McLaren, and the Health and Wellbeing award went to North Glasgow Community Food Initiative. In this category, East End Empowering Stars, a charity which supports young people and the elderly, received a commendation. The School Award was presented to FARE Community Allotment Schools’ Plots, a group of six schools which helped turn an Easterhouse garden into a fantastic community hub. St Paul’s Primary in Shettleston received a commendation in this category for its inspirational Plot To Plate Project.
Duo Old Bohemia entertained guests during dinner, while host Michelle McManus – on sparkling form – kept all attendees in high spirits right through until the very end of the evening.
Glasgow Times editor Callum Baird said: “The Glasgow Community Champion Awards have been running for 14 years and we have recognised and rewarded more than 500 community champions from across the city.
READ MORE: Glasgow's local heroes gear up for Community Champions grand final
“These last two years have been unprecedented, and tonight we have heard astonishing stories of dedication and effort, of ordinary Glaswegians making a positive difference in their communities.
“It’s been an amazing night.”
Don’t miss Monday’s Glasgow Times for more photos and stories from the night.
You can also catch up with all the Community Champions coverage online at glasgowtimes.co.uk
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