Dedicated volunteer highlighted for group spirit
A LOCAL man has been recognised for his dedication and enthusiasm in taking part in a key function for a voluntary group which upkeeps and maintains paths within the native space.
Scotland’s nationwide strolling charity, Paths for All, has recognised Brian Campbell as Path Volunteer of the Yr on the 2023 Volunteer Awards.
The 76-year-old has taken on the function of Work Social gathering Organiser with Blairgowrie and Rattray Entry Community (BRAN) group, and has performed an integral function in coordinating and organising weekly meet-ups to hold out upkeep work.
Brian is understood for his onerous work, positivity, and dry humour throughout the group – serving to to maintain the spirits excessive whereas they perform the handbook labour.
Brian Campbell mentioned: “BRAN has develop into greater than only a group; it’s a group of shut associates. We regularly enter native quiz video games; and the annual Christmas meal outing and summer time barbeque have develop into highlights of the yr.
“After we took over the trail upkeep from the council it was a bit daunting, however everybody has come collectively – permitting us to avoid wasting the council greater than £22,000 a yr which is sort of the accomplishment.
“I all the time prefer to make the work we do enjoyable and to have fun, whereas encouraging those that are participating to benefit from the work; whether or not that’s the old-hands or the newcomers to the group.
“It’s nice to be recognised for this award however it’s testomony to the onerous work our group of volunteers put in, serving to make our group paths accessible and protected for everybody to take pleasure in.”
Brian was counseled at Paths for All’s 14th annual awards ceremony on the Scottish Parliament on 27 September.
Hosted by the BBC Scotland’s Fiona Stalker, with awards introduced by sponsoring MSP Nicola Sturgeon, the occasion recognised 10 teams and people all through Scotland who’ve gone the additional mile to maintain their communities lively.
Maree Todd, Minister for Social Care, Psychological Wellbeing and Sport mentioned: “Supporting folks in Scotland to stroll and wheel is a key a part of our imaginative and prescient of a rustic the place extra persons are extra lively, extra usually.
“An enormous variety of extremely motivated and expert persons are serving to us ship this imaginative and prescient, particularly the passionate volunteers who achieve this a lot to assist others overcome challenges to participation and facilitate actions throughout the nation.
“They are surely inspirational, the popularity from Paths for All in these Awards may be very effectively deserved.”
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Govt Officer at Paths for All, mentioned: “Yearly I’m blown away on the variety of unbelievable teams and volunteers on the market decided to make a distinction. The work carried out by volunteers is instantly bettering the nation’s bodily, psychological and social well being, lowering social isolation and loneliness and serving to folks make extra environmentally pleasant life-style selections.
“It’s been improbable internet hosting the awards on the Scottish Parliament once more this yr, I all the time take pleasure in getting to socialize with our wonderful volunteers and listen to first-hand in regards to the invaluable contributions they’ve been making.
“Thanks to everybody for his or her efforts and ongoing dedication.”
Paths for All works with the Scottish Authorities and 30 companions to assist and ship nationwide insurance policies, such because the Nationwide Strolling Technique and different ‘lively journey’ initiative to enhance the psychological, social and bodily well being of the nation.
The charity awards hundreds of kilos price of grants to worthwhile initiatives that enhance well being, promote strolling and enhance environments for folks to be lively in – making for a happier, more healthy, greener Scotland.
Discover out extra in regards to the Blairgowrie and Rattray Entry Community, right here: https://discoverblairgowrie.co.uk/blairgowrie-and-rattray-community-groups/blairgowrie-and-rattray-access-network
A full record of Volunteer Award winners 2023 may be discovered on Paths for All’s web site: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/volunteerawards
