SUPPORT from our Community Champions partners Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Glasgow Community Planning Partnership is essential for ensuring we reward the unsung heroes across the north west.
This event’s judging panel faced a tough challenge, as the standard of entries was extremely high.
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service Group Manager Brian Winter summed it up.
“It is very humbling to see the type of hard work going on all over Glasgow by people of all ages,” he said.
“These are people who don’t do it for reward, they simply see a need or feel strongly about something and get on and do it.
“That’s Glasgow for you, of course – full of great people doing things for their communities. It’s fantastic that the Glasgow Community Champions Awards can give them at least a little bit of recognition for everything they do.”
GHA’s North West Area Committee chairperson Iwona Soska said: “This was the first time I had been involved in judging at the Community Champions and it was very encouraging to see so many entries.
“I think it’s great to see heritage and environment groups involved, as these are very important issues in the city, not just for our generation but for future generations too.”
She added: “It was also excellent to see young people involved in projects – they have to be taught about what is important to ensure they continue the good work being done all over the city.”
Police Scotland Chief Inspector John McBride said: “What has impressed me very much about the range of entries this time is the array of volunteers involved.
“There are so many good people out in the city, doing hard work to benefit others. The fact that people have gone to the trouble of filling out the forms and sending in the nominations shows how much of an impact the nominees have had on their communities.
“It’s fantastic to be part of the awards.”
Lawrence O’Neill of Glasgow Community Planning Partnership said: “The north west of Glasgow is full of great groups and individuals working hard and changing things for the better.
“There was a wide range of nominations for the north west heat, and it was good to see so many good examples of what can be achieved.
“Lots of the people nominated are volunteers who have given a lot of their time to whatever project they are involved in – many years in some cases. It was a really strong collection of entries and it made it extremely difficult for the judges.”
Evening Times editor and judging panel chairman Graham Shields said: “There are lots of reasons to be proud of Glasgow, but one of the most important is the people who support their communities like those we have met in the north west.
“The entire team at the Evening Times is always blown away by the kind of work being done by people who often don’t get paid to do it, or who are going the extra mile on top of their day job.
“It is truly awe-inspiring to hear their stories and meet them all.
“Thanks to the support of our generous partners, Glasgow City Council, Glasgow Housing Association, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue and Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, we can give them the recognition they deserve.”