Galloway Action Team (GAT) has been presented with the highest award a local voluntary organisation can achieve – The King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
Regarded as the MBE of the voluntary sector, the highly coveted award recognises the outstanding work carried out by the Stranraer-based volunteers throughout the community.
Presenting the award, the Lord-Lieutenant for Wigtown, Mrs Aileen Brewis said:
“The Galloway Action Team is an exceptional organisation that has transformed the lives of young people by training and encouraging them to carry out work that not only benefits them but has a very positive impact on our community.
“The young volunteers carry out varying jobs ranging from house clearances and tidying gardens, helping in local care homes, schools and nurseries as well putting up and dismantling the stunning poppy weeping window display in Stranraer. They also have a very successful Christmas toy appeal that brings joy to so many children and families in need. At every step, these young people are helped and encouraged by the small team of staff who work incredibly hard to find them apprenticeships, paid employment or go on to further education or training. This award is truly well deserved.”
GAT was one of only 281 local charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups in the whole of the UK to receive the prestigious award last year.
Jackie Rae, the group’s Senior Project Manager and founder of the charity, added:
“It gives us great pleasure to accept this award in recognition of all the dedicated work our volunteers do for the people and communities of Galloway coming out on a daily basis giving up their free time to improve the lives of people less fortunate than them. Without the dedication of our volunteers GAT wouldn’t be able to function.
“I would also like to thank our contactors, Loreburn Housing and Wheatley Homes- DGHP, who have been great supporters of our charity from the start and our funders and supporters who make it all possible locally and nationally.”
In addition to receiving a beautiful domed glass crystal and a certificate signed by The King, two volunteers from the group will be invited to attend a garden party at the Palace of Holyrood in July.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and has been continued by The King with the winners announced each November.
To be eligible, a group must be made up of three or more people, led by volunteers and been running for three years. Full details on how to nominate a group are available at The King’s Award for Voluntary Service official website.
