Inspiring Aberdeenshire awards open for nominations
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Nominations have opened for the 2021 Inspiring Aberdeenshire awards.
In its ninth year, the event recognises unsung community heroes in the area, those people who work tirelessly to support their community and the people in it, but who often do not get recognised any other way.
The awards aim to demonstrate beyond doubt that it is people who make Aberdeenshire tick.
There have been eight awards in previous years, recognising everything from cultural heroes to green champions, and those who demonstrate outstanding bravery.
For 2021 an extra category has been added. The Covid-19 category seeks to recognise the best of the community effort in response to the pandemic.
As with each year, the Covid award and all others can be given to either individuals or groups.
Provost of Aberdeenshire, councillor Bill Howatson, said: “It is tremendous to see Inspiring Aberdeenshire coming back this year.
"I strongly believe that now, more than ever, it is essential for us to show how much we appreciate the role people play in communities across Aberdeenshire.
"What makes ‘Inspiring’ stand out from the rest for me, is that it is a platform to find our unsung heroes.
"Time and again we discover winners who have been working tirelessly for many years but do not get the praise they deserve; this is their moment.
“I encourage everyone to take some time to think who they might nominate. Especially throughout the pandemic, frankly we could not have done without our community champions and I hope there will be a category here this year to allow everyone a place to shine.”
Nominations are open until April 5 and can be made at engage.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/inspiring2021
The categories are:
The Heart of Aberdeenshire Caring Award
Awarded to a person who has had a significant positive impact on the life or lives of a vulnerable person or people. Nominees will care for others, either through the course of their employment, for a family member or as a volunteer carer.
The Inspirational Volunteer Award
Awarded to an individual or group who have gone the extra mile by volunteering for a local initiative that makes a difference to the lives of others or communities.
The Local Hero Courage Award
Awarded to an individual who in the face of adversity has shown courage, bravery and dedication to helping to overcome a difficult situation.
The Beautiful Aberdeenshire Environmental Award
Awarded to an individual or group who is working hard to help nurture and enhance the area’s natural beauty through environmental initiatives.
The Community Spirit Award
Awarded to an individual or group who have supported a cause or project which helps to foster a spirited, embracing and vibrant local community.
The Cultural Award
Awarded to an individual or community group who has made an excellent contribution to the promotion of local culture in Aberdeenshire.
Aberdeenshire’s Future Award
Awarded to a young individual (under 25) who has shown great leadership and helped to inspire and motivate others in support of a local cause.
The Covid-19 Response Award
The Coronavirus pandemic has given rise to remarkable efforts across Aberdeenshire in supporting one another during this time. This award is for an individual, group or community who have shown incredible resilience and amazing efforts in response to Covid-19.
The Inspiring Aberdeenshire Lifetime Achievement Award
This award will be presented to an individual who over the course of a number of years has made an outstanding contribution to a local cause, project or initiative, and is a true inspiration to others across Aberdeenshire.
The awards will be handed out during a virtual live-streamed ceremony on Thursday, August 26.
