Richard Wilson,The National Autistic Society Scotland’s ambassador
“The National Autistic Society Scotland worked tirelessly to help bring about the Scottish Government’s autism strategy for Scotland in 2010. Now, as the strategy is rolled out across Scotland, it helps ensure people with autism and their families are given a say in the decisions that affect them every step of the way.”
Dianne Williamson Chair, Dunfermline Heart Town
“British Heart Foundation Scotland (BHF) saves lives. Fife man Alan Linton was saved on the golf course when he went into cardiac arrest by his quick-thinking friends performing CPR. They acted because they’d seen the BHF’s Vinnie Jones TV advert that demonstrates hands-only CPR. Alan later played golf with Vinnie!”
Dunfermline Heart Town is a partnership between British Heart Foundation Scotland and NHS Fife
Jennifer and Andy Gill, Co-founders, Love Oliver
“We felt proud of Love Oliver when we expanded the practical support side of the charity to include childhood oncology families at Yorkhill Hospital as well as the Sick Kids in Edinburgh: another example of the huge impact Oliver’s inspirational life is having, and of the amazing efforts of all our fundraisers.”
Ivan Cohen, A member of Enable Scotland and vice chair of the advisory committee of Enable
“I’m the vice-chairperson of Ace, the advisory committee to Enable Scotland. Ace is made up entirely of people with learning disabilities and Enable relies on us for advice and direction. Enable Scotland helps get our voices heard and supports us to become equal citizens the same as everybody else.”
David Smith MBE, Paralympic gold medallist rower and ambassador for the Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund (SCIAF)
“Everyday SCIAF helps to change the lives of people affected by disasters or poverty in some of the poorest countries in the world. Emergency aid such as the food, shelter, blankets and healthcare being provided to Syrian refugees keeps people alive and gives them a little hope. I saw for myself the fruits of training in how to grow more and better crops inspired by young people in Burundi to become active teachers in their own communities so that more people can grow the food they need. With the support of the Scottish public, it’s incredible to think of just how many millions of lives SCIAF must have touched through their work over the last 50 years.”
Terry Thorpe , Manager of the Glasgow Mobility Team, Guide Dogs
"It was very emotional when I qualified with my guide dog. I could now go out and do what I want, when I want." The words of the 300th guide dog owner to be trained from our Glasgow Mobility Team alone. 300 lives changed since we opened in November 1990 fills me with pride!”
Rhona Cunningham Manager, Fife Gingerbread
“The fact that we are a wee independent Fife charity with a big punch! Governed and managed in Fife we support parents when they need it most and then we benefit from their skills and experience as they become volunteers. Last year our volunteers helped us increase our funding by £1 million! Result!”
Kathryn Welch, Funding and communications manager, Venture Trust
“At Venture Trust, I feel the most proud when I see the changes our participants make in their lives. To see a once-shy individual come rushing in to tell us about their new job, or to hear the excitement and pride when someone calls to tell us they’ve found a place to live, patched up a damaged relationship or signed up for a college course – it doesn’t get much better than that”.
Sir Ian Wood, Chairman, Wood Family Trust
“We seek to improve tolerance, citizenship values, and enterprise in Scotland’s young people. This year, through our Youth and Philanthropy Initiative, 14,500 students will go out and meaningfully engage with charities in their local community. The way our young people consistently embrace this challenge never fails to inspire.”
Marc Lambert, Director, Scottish Book Trust
“Six years ago we created Bookbug – a bookgifting programme supplying free books and resources to every child in Scotland age five years and under. Since then we’ve given away over 3 million books, laying the early foundations for literacy and bringing families together through the simple practice of sharing stories.”
Libby Anderson, Policy director, OneKind
“The Protection of Wild Mammals (Scotland) Act 2002 was a watershed in raising understanding of the sentience of wild animals. We’re proud of our part in making Scotland the first UK legislature to ban fox-hunting and hare coursing. OneKind continues to demonstrate that the old ways – trapping, snaring and poisoning our wildlife – must give way to more humane and sustainable methods.”
Tish Chalmers, Founder, Keeping in Touch Edinburgh (KiTE)
“Having seen the difference a computer has made to the life of my 92-year-old housebound mother-in-law, I knew there were many other older people who could similarly benefit. KiTE volunteers have been told they have literally changed lives by encouraging participants to send emails, Skype, develop an interest in photography and so much more. The tremendous buzz at last week’s computer club within a Viewpoint sheltered housing unit where 18 participants and eight volunteers worked and played together was a very proud moment indeed.”
Martha Baillie, Deputy chief executive, Waverley Care
“I am most proud that over 25 years Waverley Care has fought to challenge the stigma that surrounds HIV and Hepatitis C and to give people back their pride and self respect. People tell us that we help to make their lives worth living and that says it all for me.”
Susan Johnstone, National event manager, Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life
“I am so proud to be part of Race for Life, which last year involved over 40,000 women in Scotland, raising a staggering £2.8m to beat cancer sooner. The generosity of the kind-hearted women who take part is overwhelming and I know they’ll help make this year’s event even more successful than ever!”
Alister Walker. Volunteer, Prostate Cancer UK
“Prostate Cancer UK’s award-winning campaigns have helped deliver new drugs abiraterone and enzalutamide for use on NHS Scotland, as well as securing government and health-board backing for our quality checklist. I am proud of the role men with prostate cancer, like me, played in these victories. We took on the establishment and won. And we will do so again and again. Men United v Prostate Cancer, we can win this!”
Laurie Matthew, UK manager, Eighteen And Under
“I am proud of people who volunteer time and energy to help others. They help behind the scenes in different ways from taking care of finances to planing future developments of the organisation. They never ask for recognition or rewards and get embarrassed when you sing their praises. They are incredible people.”
Louise Henderson, Membership development officer, Girlguiding Scotland
“I am really proud that we are committed to listening to and supporting our girls and young women, and the fact that our Brownies are celebrating their 100th birthday this year is great proof that we remain relevant and popular to girls in Scotland.”
Jess Ryan, Young Scot of the Year and Children 1st ambassador
“I support Children 1st wholeheartedly because the services it provided for me helped to change and save my life. I’m living proof that support, time, money and energy really does make a difference to people’s lives. I’m proud of the work Children 1st does to help childhood victims of sexual abuse like me to recover from their experience. But I’m also proud of the strong stance it has taken on the issue through its campaign, See. Hear. Speak. Act.”
