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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Scottish Charity Champion has gone the extra mile

This news post is almost 10 years old
 

National Autistic Society volunteer named winner of 2014’s crown

Tireless volunteer Gail McKeitch has been named Charity Champion at the 2014 Scottish Charity Awards.

A volunteer branch officer for The National Autistic Society in Ellon, Aberdeenshire McKeitch makes a crucial daily, positive difference to more than 100 local people affected by autism.

Gail McKeitch

“I hope this award helps shine a light on autism and the 58,000 people with autism in Scotland, many of whom struggle daily to access the same opportunities most of us take for granted

Gail McKeitch

A mother of two boys with autism, McKeitch brings expertise, energy and a huge commitment to her cause. Her tirelessness ensures there is an invaluable hub of information and support for families affected by autism in her home town.

Mckeitch was nominated by the National Autistic Society, who said she, like her four fellow nominees in the category, had gone the extra mile for a cause close to her heart and had made a huge contribution to Scottish society.

On receiving her award at the annual awards dinner and ceremony, organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms, McKeitch paid tribute her fellow shortlisted finalists.

“All the nominees in this category have made a huge, positive difference to the lives of people in Scotland,” she said.

“I was in amazing company, so I am particularly humbled and honoured to have won this fantastic award. I would like to thank the National Autistic Society Scotland for their support and for the nomination.

“I hope this award helps shine a light on autism and the 58,000 people with autism in Scotland, many of whom struggle daily to access the same opportunities most of us take for granted.

“I feel privileged to be able to play a part in helping people with autism lead the lives they choose.”

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.”

2014 Scottish Charity Awards Winners
Charity Champion - Gail McKeitch from Ellon, Aberdeenshire
Celebrating Communities - The Caravan Project, Glasgow
Cracking Campaign - The Coalition for Continuing Care, Edinburgh, Stirling & Glasgow
A Sporting Chance - Ravelrig Riding for the Disabled, Balerno
Perfect Partnership - The Kiltwalk and The Sunday Post, Glasgow & Dundee
Charity of the Year - Toonspeak Young People’s Theatre, Glasgow
People’s Choice Award - Fife Gingerbread, Leven, Fife