Record number of votes cast to crown lone-parent family support charity

The Scottish public has spoken and Fife Gingerbread has been crowned the People’s Choice Award winner at the 2014 Scottish Charity Awards.

The charity which provides a variety of services to lone-parent families across Fife came out on top of a public vote of all shortlisted finalists across six categories at the awards, which were held tonight in Edinburgh’s Assembly Rooms.

We are privileged to have a fantastic and dedicated team of support workers, volunteers, managers, office staff and board members

A record breaking nearly 19,000 votes were cast in the category with people voting from as far afield as the Bahamas, Sri Lanka and Argentina.

Rhona Cunningham, manager of Fife Gingerbread, told guests at the annual awards ceremony and dinner organised by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) that the charity was overwhelmed by the support shown.

“We are absolutely blown away to have won this prestigious award,” she said.

“We are privileged to have a fantastic and dedicated team of support workers, volunteers, managers, office staff and board members.

“They allow us to provide vital early-intervention support for families in Fife, and thanks to our funders and partner organisations we are able to deliver the very best support possible.”

For nearly 30 years Fife Gingerbread, based in the coastal town of Leven, has worked to improve the lives and futures of disadvantaged lone parents and families in Fife.

Over the years it has provided support to thousands of families and is particularly relevant today when poverty and welfare reforms are having a major impact on so many disadvantaged communities.

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.”