Banffshire and Moray receives three King’s Award for Voluntary Services on Charles III’s birthday
Three organisations based in historic Banffshire have been awarded the equivalent of an MBE.
The King’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award that can be given to a voluntary group and its local recipients are Beulah Support and Outreach, Buckie’s Roots and Footprints.
Beulah Support and Outreach engages with individuals who tend to be excluded or marginalized. Its volunteers run a weekly community cafe in Banff where all are welcome. Added to that they also provide support to encourage healthy eating and reduce food waste.
Meanwhile, Buckie’s Roots has been central in transforming public areas around the town. It has a daily litter picking team and also works to allow everyone to enjoy the outdoors by providing disabled-friendly picnic benches, street furniture and raised flower beds.
The group also supports community lunches and numerous charity events in addition to organising national celebrations such as Armistice Days and Jubilees
Footprints, which is based in Portessie, helps people who have a variety of learning, physical and mental health challenges. Its weekly meetings in the village hall provide activities from baking and karaoke to crafts and bowls.
These three local groups are amongst only 281 charities across the whole UK to receive the award this year.
Andrew Simpson, Lord-Lieutenant of Banffshire, said: “Congratulations to everyone involved with Beulah Support and Outreach, Buckie’s Roots and Footprints. I am delighted with their very well-deserved success in winning the King’s Award for Voluntary Service.
“Whether by contributing to improving our environment or supporting individuals and families the work of these groups adds so much to the lives of us all.
“That three groups from Banffshire have achieved this award is recognition of their positive impact on the lives of many. We are very grateful to them and all who volunteer.
The award was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee.
Following his accession, Charles III announced his desire for it to continue. Its recipients are announced annually on November 14, which is his birthday.
