The Galloway Action Team (GAT) has just been awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE.
GAT is one of only 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups in the whole of the UK to receive the prestigious award this year.
Their work, along with others from across the UK, reminds us of all the ways fantastic volunteers are contributing to their local communities and working to make life better for those around them.
Lord-Lieutenant, Mrs Aileen Brewis said:
“I am delighted that the Galloway Action Team has been awarded the prestigious King’s Award for Voluntary Service. As its Patron I see first-hand the exceptional and unique work it achieves in the community and how it has transformed the lives of so many young people.
“These young volunteers carry out work that gives valuable help to local people who need a helping hand, perhaps through sickness, old age, mental health issues or loneliness.
“Their tasks are many and varied with everything from helping local care homes with moving furniture, building a sensory garden for local schools and nurseries, and putting up and dismantling the stunning poppy ‘weeping window’ display in the centre of Stranraer which is a focal point for our Remembrance events. The group also raises money throughout the year to spend on toys and toiletries for local families most in need especially at Christmas.”
Jackie Rae, the group’s senior project worker and founder of the charity, added: “It is such an honour to receive this award and an honour to serve the people of Galloway. We thank everybody involved in this achievement but most of all thank the dedicated volunteers for their hard work in delivering much needed help in the communities we live in.”
GAT will receive the beautiful award crystal and certificate from Mrs Brewis, Lord-Lieutenant early next year. In addition, two volunteers from the group will be invited to attend a garden party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in July.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and has been continued by The King with the winners announced on his birthday.
Any group of two or more people that has participated in voluntary work for more than three years can be nominated for the award. Full details on how to nominate are available at The King's Award for Voluntary Service - official website. Nominations for next year’s wards close on 1 December.