WHEN their names were called out as Glasgow Community Champion awardwinners, Bridget Crossan and Cath Milligan were stunned into silence.
“It was amazing,” says Bridget, smiling. “We were not expecting it at all. We were buzzing about it for days.”
At the 2023 event, the two women received the prestigious Editor’s Award for their tireless work in Castlemilk.
They run Food Solidarity Soup-erheroes, providing free food and soup packs to families struggling in the cost-of-living crisis, and organise huge community festivals to “bring a little happiness” into people’s lives.
“Even just walking into the City Chambers, seeing our names on the welcome boards - we felt so special,” adds Bridget, in awe.
“And then in that beautiful room, watching so many deserving people go up to collect awards - it was lovely. I don’t think you understand the amount of good work going on in Glasgow until you sit in that room.
“Everyone there, no matter what they are doing, wants the same outcome for people - they want better. There is a lot of strength in that room. It is people power in action.”
Entries are now open for the 2024 Glasgow Community Champion Awards, organised by the Glasgow Times and supported by our generous partners, Glasgow City Council and Allied Vehicles Charitable Trust.
Who do you know who deserves recognition for the work they do for their community?
We want to hear from you. There are 10 awards up for grabs this year including Community Champion, Champion Team, Sporting Champion, Champion School of the Year, Youth Champion, for teens, Senior Champion, for over-60s, and Health and Wellbeing Champion.
There are also three new awards for 2024 – Little Champion, for children aged under 13 whose courage, citizenship or hard work stand out; Environmental Champion, for an individual or team passionate about tackling the climate crisis and loss of biodiversity, and improving local areas for the benefit of all; and Arts Champion, for a musician, theatre group, singer, dancer or poet having a positive impact through projects or performances.
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Closing date for nominations is Thursday, September 12.
Bridget, Cath and Cath’s niece Natali are now organising their second Love and Solidarity summer festival, which takes place on Saturday, August 10.
Last year’s event attracted more than 800 people.
“This year, to give us more space, we are splitting it into two – the daytime event at Castlemilk Youth Complex from 12pm until 4pm, and an evening event at Birgidale Complex from 7pm,” explains Bridget.
“There will also be lots of stuff going on at the Barlia sports pitches, the park and the local churches – once again, everyone is coming together to put on something amazing.”
It has been a tough year for the Souperheroes, after plans to create a wellbeing space, by transforming an old shipping container, fell through.
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“We raised about £2000 but after months of talks and meetings about where we could put it, we were getting absolutely nowhere,” says Bridget. “It was awful – we felt like we’d let everyone down.
“We contacted everyone who had donated and asked them if they wanted their money back, and every single one said no, just keep it and do something else.”
She says, gratefully: “It was overwhelming, the trust people had in us to do good. It was a very emotional few weeks.”
The group has now purchased a gazebo for its weekend sessions handing out food and soup packs around Castlemilk. Decorated in positive messages, it is already a colourful and welcoming sight in the area.
“We love it – and it means we can pitch up anywhere and get food and non-perishables out to people who need it,” says Bridget, smiling.
“Life isn’t really getting better for anyone – times are still very hard. People need a bit of help and a bit of happiness and if we can bring that to people in Castlemilk, and just get everyone together to share what we have, then we’re proud to play our part.”
HOW TO NOMINATE
You can nominate anyone, simply 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.
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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