THE city’s happiest and most heart-warming award ceremony is back.
We want to hear who you think should be crowned Glasgow Community Champions for 2024.
Our popular event is a highlight on the city’s calendar and this year, with new categories and a new sponsor on board, it promises to be even bigger and better than before.
Glasgow Times Editor Stacey Mullen said: “For almost 20 years, the Glasgow Times has been putting the hard-working, selfless people of our city in the spotlight with the Community Champion Awards.
“No other event celebrates Glaswegians quite like we do, and we are very proud to be back. This year, we are excited about our new categories, which include Little Champion, for children aged under 13; Arts Champion; and Environmental Champion.
“We’re also delighted to have the continued support of Glasgow City Council, who will host the glittering grand final in December at the City Chambers, and we are very happy to welcome our new partner, Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust, on board for 2024.”
Ms Mullen added: “Our awards are a great way to pay tribute to unsung heroes in every corner of Glasgow, and I am looking forward to hearing this year’s nominations, and sharing their stories with our readers.”
Lord Provost Jacqueline McLaren said: “These are my third Community Champions Awards.
"It’s so exciting and such an incredible event - a chance to meet and celebrate the people who make Glasgow such a fantastic city, people always ready and willing to go the extra mile, with their sleeves rolled up and a smile on their face."
She added: "As Lord Provost it’s a firm favourite in my calendar, being able to personally thank them for their civic-mindedness and civic pride. Good luck everyone."
Joining our long-term partner Glasgow City Council this year is Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.
The Trust was set up by the leading adapted and special purpose vehicle supplier to support community groups and charities.
Its recent donations include £1000 to The Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice’s creative art service, £2000 to Musical Memories in Springburn, to help its older members get home safely, and £6200 to the Volunteer Tutors Organisation in Possilpark, which provides educational support to children and young people most affected by the poverty-related attainment gap.
Founder and owner Gerry Facenna said: “Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust is delighted to be supporting the Glasgow Community Champion Awards.
“Our core purpose is ‘we move people and make a difference to their lives’, and we can’t wait to see all the amazing examples of moving people and making a difference to their lives in the nominees.”
He added: “Through our Trust we have committed to donating £20,000 a month, mainly to local causes, so we see first-hand the amazing stories and efforts of individuals, charities and community organisations.
“We all know the Glasgow Community Champion Awards are another great opportunity to celebrate amazing people and this wonderful city we call home.”
READ NEXT: In pictures: Glasgow Community Champion Awards 2023
So who brings sparkle to the Southside? Who goes the extra mile for the East End? Where are our northern stars and who should be crowned best in the west?
Last years winners included Jack Smith and Kallum McSween, who received the prestigious Lord Provost's Special Recognition Award for their volunteering efforts in the north of the city; Bridget Crossan and Cath Milligan, who won the Editor's Award for their incredible community events in Castlemilk; and the inspirational 'rapping grannies' of Possilpark, who won the Senior award.
There are 10 awards up for grabs this year including the Community Champion Award, the Champion Team award and the Sporting Champion.
The Champion School of the Year will be one which works with its wider community to improve the local area or make a difference to the lives of those living nearby.
The Youth Champion award will be presented to a young person aged between 13 and 17, who makes a significant contribution to their local community, while Little Champion of the Year will reward an under-13 whose achievements, courage or bravery stand out.
READ NEXT: Win for 'Glasgow's youngest volunteers' at Community Champion Awards
The Senior Champion award will go to an inspirational person aged over 60 who contributes selflessly to their community and the Health and Wellbeing Champion award recognises those who have dedicated their lives to causes which improve the life chances and opportunities of people in the city. It could be an individual or a group.
The Environmental Award will be presented to an individual or team passionate about tackling the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, and improving local areas for the benefit of all.
The Arts Champion award will be presented to a musician, theatre group, singer, dancer or poet having a positive impact through projects or performances.
Closing date for nominations is Thursday, September 12.
HOW TO NOMINATE
We want to hear about inspirational individuals and great groups in your area - who do you think deserves recognition for fantastic community work?
You can nominate anyone, from an inspirational teenager to a campaigning pensioner.
Tell us why they should win and remember to include lots of detail and photographs to support your entry.
You can nominate online by visiting the website, https://newsquestscotlandevents.com/events/glasgowcommchamps/ or email callum.cummine@newsquest.co.uk.
For more information, call 0141 302 6046.
The closing date for entries is Thursday, September 12.
A shortlist will go to a public online vote to determine the winners in each area – North East, North West and South - who will then progress to the grand final at Glasgow City Chambers on December 4.
A judging panel made up of representatives from the award partners will decide the Grand Final winners.
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