The Caravan Projectscoop Scottish Charity Awards’ gong

A Glasgow charity which provides holidays to families who can’t afford to take a break has been named Celebrating Communities award winner at this year’s Scottish Charity Awards.

The Caravan Project offers a one-week respite holiday to families living in poverty in the north-west of Glasgow at one of its two caravans in Berwick-Upon-Tweed.

Winning the award is a huge testament to the hard work, dedication and pragmatism our volunteers have taken over the past year, and it just goes to show you that even the small charities can have a big impact on society

For these families a holiday is not a luxury – it is a much-needed break from the challenging circumstances they face at home, and for many it will be their first ever holiday.

Jamie Mallan, development officer at The Caravan Project, told guests at tonight’s annual awards ceremony and dinner held by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms that being part of the awards alone boosted the charity.

“Being a finalist alongside so many well-known, well-respected and hard-working charities has been incredibly flattering, and the increased profile our small charity has gained has led more families who are in need of a respite break to our services than ever before,” he said.

“Winning the award is a huge testament to the hard work, dedication and pragmatism our volunteers have taken over the past year, and it just goes to show you that even the small charities can have a big impact on society.”

The Scottish Charity Awards aims to recognise the life-changing work of charities, community groups and individuals dedicated to making Scotland a better place.

Shulah Allan, convener of SCVO, said: “All of this year’s finalists are remarkable examples of how Scotland has one of the most vibrant and innovative third sectors in the world.

“The awards are all about celebrating the endless energy that these people channel into making Scotland a better place to live.”