Going the extra mile for the community
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Volunteering is a huge benefit to society as a whole, as well as helping individuals develop skills and confidence.
There are more than 1.2 million volunteers across Scotland but we are looking for the one who gives their time and talents to help others in your community.
The 2019 Highland Heroes awards volunteer of the year will be an individual who has been beyond generous and has gone out of their way to make a real difference to people’s lives.
The category, sponsored by the Cairngorm Group, is a chance to give recognition to those special volunteers in our community.
Chris Dowling, director of the Cairngorm Group – which has added kitchen design and build services to it portfolio of windows, doors and conservatories – said: “We are delighted to be sponsoring this category that looks to honour the hidden heroes who often work behind the scenes and don’t do it for recognition but to simply make a difference in the place that they live.
“In the last few years we have seen unprecedented levels of financial cuts in public spending which have ultimately had a negative impact on our local communities. At the same time we have seen many inspiring individuals, churches and community groups step up to fill the gaps that have been created.
“We would ask all the readers to think about who comes to mind while reading this and nominate them for this prestigious award.”
Putting your community before yourself is nothing new to people who work in the public service.
But John Gibson, branch secretary of Unison Highland, believes there are plenty of people out there going above and beyond what is expected of them and not seeking any reward.
He said: “It’s all about recognising that dedication not just to the job but to the broader sense of achieving something for your community or the service that you’re part of.
“Because of their dedication you find people who work in the public service are often doing over and above what their hours are or what their contract says.”
Unison Highland, which represents support staff across Highland Council and High Life Highland, is sponsoring the public servant of the year award at the 2019 Highland Heroes.
Mr Gibson added: “We think it’s important to recognise people in the Highlands by people in the Highlands.”
To nominate someone for these or any of the 14 categories, fill in the form here. The deadline for nominations is midnight on Saturday, August 31.
