Schoolboy receives accolades for commitment to volunteering
A 15-year-old schoolboy from Glasgow has beaten off tough competition from across the UK to be crowned Crimestoppers Youth Volunteer of the Year.
Logan Clark earned top place in the prestigious annual awards which coincide with the beginning of Volunteer Week, through his involvement with the independent charity's youth service Fearless.org
Since October, he has shown his dedication by learning how the charity operates, helping them to devise new resources, to launch campaigns and he has even appeared on a number of their flagship podcasts.
Judges in London were impressed by the commitment of Logan when they met to discuss the nominations made from all over the UK.
Crimestoppers staff surprised the young person with the award at a special celebration in school yesterday, attended by Whitehill Secondary head teacher Ruth McConachie, MCR Pathways Founder Iain MacRitchie and Logan’s family.
Lyndsay McDade, national youth projects coordinator at Crimestoppers said: “Logan is a great example of all the wonderful young people across Scotland who actively get involved within their communities and make a difference every day.
“Often it's the small number of negative incidents that are the ones to make it onto social media, so this award really allows us to shine a light on the positive contribution that young people make to society.
“Logan has such a strong social conscience and just shines when he’s volunteering. For me, he exemplifies how important and successful the charity sector can be at engaging young people and helping them to find both their confidence and a career pathway.
"To manage and support Logan on his volunteering journey, whilst also being his MCR Pathways mentor, is such a privilege. His enthusiasm is entirely contagious and he’s really contributed to the success of our youth service across Scotland this year.
“I can’t wait to see what the future brings for Logan because he’s an outstanding young man who will, I’m certain, go far. I’m very proud of him”
Mark Hallas, chief executive of charity Crimestoppers, added: “We were really encouraged by Logan’s commitment and enthusiasm that shows he has great promise.
“We value all our volunteers as they are able to support our wider work, reaching people and communities – including younger people – who need to know about our service, guaranteeing anonymity.
“I’d like to thank Logan and all those who were recognised this year. If you’re interested in volunteering for Crimestoppers or Fearless, then please get in touch via the volunteering section of our website.”
ain MacRitchie, founder and chair of MCR Pathways said Logan is a shining example of what a young person can achieve with support and encouragement.
"MCR started in the East End of Glasgow and is now supporting over 5,000 young people across the country each week," he said.
"I know there is no limit to our young people when we place relationships at the centre of everything we do. We are delighted to be part of Logan's journey and cannot wait to see how he develops. It is inevitable that he will continue to make a huge difference and enjoy massive future success."
Read: a celebration of peer volunteers
