Worthy north and north-east projects which help troubled youngsters, feed the homeless and provide exercise sessions for poorly pensioners have been nominated in the Scottish Charity Awards.
Volunteers from the organisations are now calling for the public’s backing in helping them to secure victory in their categories, which are decided on a popular vote.
Sport Aberdeen has been shortlisted in the pioneering project category for an intiative which helps people exercise despite their physical limitations.
The Move More Aberdeen project is designed for people living suffering from cancer, arthritis, the aftermath of a stroke, diabetes and breathing conditions, and classes include gentle seated activities, walking, gardening and gym-based exercises.
The charity hopes that if it lands the prize next month, the programme – organised in conjunction with Macmillan Cancer Support and NHS Grampian – may be adopted by health boards across the country.
Caithness Klics is in the running for the celebrating communities category in recognition of the work it does to supports children who have a caring role at home, often because their parents are ill or struggling with addiction or mental health.
Wendy Thain, explained the significance of the work it carries out and said: “Some of these kids are from families with drug and alcohol issues, and we are trying to help the community by keeping them on the straight and narrow and helping them to make good choices later in life.”
Caithness Klics runs daily sessions in Wick and Thurso, where its 80 members can relax with friends, and runs trips to places like Landmark and the Puffin Croft petting farm.
Inverness Foodstuff, which disperses out-of-date food from supermarkets around the city’s homeless and impoverished residents, has been nominated in the same category.
The charity also serves up meals during free drop-in sessions at Ness Bank Church Hall twice a week, and has provided a Christmas feast for the last four years.
The Point and Sandwick Trust, based on the Isle of Lewis, is competing for the “celebrating communities” prize too.
The charity has developed the UK’s largest community-owned wind farm, at Beinn Ghrideag, and uses the income to further the social, cultural, educational and environmental well-being of Point, Sandwick and the Western isles.
Scottish Women’s Aid, which has centres in Aberdeen, Elgin, Orkney, Shetland and across the Highlands, is up for the charity of the year award.
People can vote by visiting www.scvo.org.uk/vote before Friday, May 18, and the winners will be announced in June in Edinburgh.
