North Ayrshire Provost's Civic Pride Awards recognise the cream of community crop
Community volunteers and local charities were the biggest winners at the North Ayrshire Provost's Civic Pride Dinner on Friday night - when the area's heroes were recognised for their outstanding contribution to the local community.
The inaugural Provost's Civic Pride Awards celebrated North Ayrshire's best asset – its people – and highlighted the lengths they go to to make the area a fantastic place to live, work and visit.
And the lively Charity Dinner at Seamill Hydro raised a staggering £18,400 for the two charities – North Ayrshire Cancer Care and Cash for Kids.
Community representatives, charity volunteers, and a raft of local businessmen and women joined the fifteen deserving finalists at the packed event for the nail-biting announcement of the five Civic Pride Award winners.
The winners were chosen by members of the public with an astonishing 18,373 votes cast by those keen to ensure their community champions were in with a chance of taking home one of the five sought-after awards.
After a tense build up, Provost Pat McPhee had the honour of announcing the five winners to the excited audience.
The winners were:
North Ayrshire Community Group Award sponsored by Irvine Housing Association - Oasis New Start Duke of Edinburgh Award Group
North Ayrshire Citizen of the Year Award sponsored by GlaxoSmithKline
- Jim Montgomerie
North Ayrshire Young Citizen of the Year sponsored by Cunninghame Housing Association - Lisa Heenan
North Ayrshire Arts & Culture Award sponsored by Northgate Public Services - Art in Mind
North Ayrshire Sports Award sponsored by K:A Leisure - Jim Heaney
North Ayrshire Provost's Winner of Winners - Oasis News Start Duke of Edinburgh Award Group.
Boasting a truly local feel, the North Ayrshire Provost's Civic Pride Awards recognised the talent, skills and enthusiasm of the groups and individuals who make such a huge difference to their local communities.
People across North Ayrshire nominated and voted for the groups and individuals who make a significant difference to the lives of those within their communities. Local businesses threw their weight behind the event by sponsoring award categories, booking tables and donating prizes for the charity auction and raffle.
The event, which was compèred by West Sound DJ Jen McGinlay, raised cash through award sponsorship, the sale of tickets, donations from local businesses, and a charity raffle and auction.
The £18,400 raised from the event will be split equally between the two benefiting charities to help them support local people in need.
Provost Pat McPhee said: "Here in North Ayrshire, we are proud of our past and confident for our future. But it goes without saying that North Ayrshire would not be such a wonderful place if it wasn't for the dedication and enthusiasm of its people.
"These selfless community volunteers make such a significant difference to the lives of those around them and are an inspiration to us all.
"Each and every one of the finalists – and indeed the nominees – should be very proud of their achievements.
"I have been overwhelmed by the level of support for the Civic Pride Awards and Charity Dinner and would like to thank everyone who has backed the event - from the local people who nominated their community champions to the local businesses who sponsored the awards and donated auction and raffle prizes.
"Most importantly, this whole event has raised money for the two charities – North Ayrshire Cancer Care and Cash for Kids. This will go some way to supporting local people who need a helping hand."
David Haining, Chairman of the Trustees of North Ayrshire Cancer Care, said: "For the last 22 years, the charity had relied entirely on the dedication of its volunteers and the kindness of those who make donations.
"I am absolutely thrilled, therefore, that North Ayrshire Cancer Care has benefited from the inaugural Provost's Charity Dinner and can continue to provide support and assistance to cancer patients and their families as a result."
Anne-Marie Sim, Charity Manager for Cash for Kids, added: "We are always humbled by the generosity of the people who donate and are delighted that such a fantastic amount has been raised at the Provost's Charity Dinner.
"Every penny we collect in Ayrshire, stays in Ayrshire. People should never underestimate the massive difference their kind donations can make to the lives of underprivileged local children and their families."