It is attracting kids and giving them more confidence to tackle new challenges.
And now, the Police Scotland Youth Volunteers programme, led by officer George Sangster, could expand its work throughout the north-east if it can secure a brand new minibus.
Winning the Press and Journal’s minibus competition and taking ownership of the 17-seat vehicle – sponsored by Nexen – would help open doors across the region for Mr Sangster and his team who are committed to helping communities.
Access to the vehicle would also make life easier and safer for the participating youngsters to travel between towns and villages.
At the moment, the programme – which is not funded through Police Scotland – relies on the availability of community-run buses and fundraising events to pay for them.
Last night, Mr Sangster explained: “Having our own minibus would mean that we’re able to commit to a lot more volunteering.
“Although we are based in Fraserburgh, I have a remit where, if we can find a community event or group that needs our support within Banff and Buchan, then we have free rein to go and help.
“It would really extend our ability to support more groups. It’s how we develop our youngsters and promote the skills we develop.”
Those who join the programme learn both first-aid and radio communication skills.
It means the youngsters involved can also attend events throughout Scotland and carry out marshalling duties.
And, just last week, a group from Fraserburgh made the trip to the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo to hand out crime prevention advice on the Royal Mile.
Mr Sangster added: “It gives them a banker for their CV when they apply for university or a job.
“We’ve had kids with us, who are perhaps more socially excluded, and we have had positive feedback from parents and school staff – since becoming involved, they are more outgoing.”
The volunteer programme is open for anyone aged between 13 and 18 years old.
Dozens of organisations have signed up for their chance to win the grand prize, but there is still time to start collecting tokens to enter.
Any interested organisations need at least 50 tokens to enter. These will be printed in the paper until Saturday, August 27.
To sign up your community group for a chance to win the minibus, visit www.pressandjournal.co.uk/minibus
