Awards honour voluntary work in Banffshire
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Individuals and groups who have been supporting their communities during the coronavirus lockdown have been recognised for their voluntary work.
Aberdeenshire Voluntary Action (AVA) which works with voluntary groups across the area, launched its AVA Community Spirit Awards to recognise the support that has been carried out in villages and towns.
A number of recipients have been announced in the Banffshire area.
These included King Edward youngster Skye Hale-Smith who made positivity packs for people, which provided a variety of treats to raise spirits during difficult times.
The money raised went to two charities CLAPA (Cleft Lip and Palate Association), which is close to her heart as she was born with a unilateral cleft lip and palate, and Deveron Enable Club, which supports people with learning disabilities.
Other winners in the area were Billy and Mandy Milne from Whitehills, Aberchirder and District Community Association, Daniels Place and Whitehills Community Hub.
AVA said it had overwhelmed by the response to the awards. CEO Dan Shaw said: “ People have been nominating in their hundreds for those in their community who have gone out of their way to help, support and put a smile on faces during the pandemic.
"We realised early on during lockdown that there were exceptional things happening in our communities to help the more vulnerable in our villages and towns across Aberdeenshire.
"Many award recipients have been nominated multiple times showing the impact they have had on their community.
"Several of our nominations are very young showing a sense of community spirit from a young age.”
