Ahead of the 2024 Scottish Charity Awards, June Pennykid reflects on the importance of Scotland’s voluntary sector and her enduring support for the awards
For many years, Keegan and Pennykid has supported the Scottish Charity Awards, and has been the proud sponsor of the Charity of the Year category.
While I’ve never worked in the voluntary sector, I’ve watched from the side lines with a keen interest over many years.
I often wonder how our society would manage without the support of the sector: all those charities, voluntary organisations and social enterprises and the numerous people who work within them, making an untold difference to the lives of so many.
The sector often steps in where successive governments have failed and are applauded by those same people for a job well done. As a business owner I understand the myriad of challenges of running an organisation yet I can’t even begin to imagine the pressure of running an organisation when resources are uncertain and the wellbeing and lives of others are at stake.
In part I am saddened that we need such a thriving third sector in Scotland but am grateful that we have it. The sector and its people are some of life’s unsung heroes and it’s only fitting that their work and achievements are recognised and celebrated. At Keegan & Pennykid, we work with the sector every day and are honoured to help celebrate those successes and achievements through the Scottish Charity Awards.
I’ve had the privilege of judging the Scottish Charity Awards on several occasions and each time I am left in awe (and often in tears!) at the commitment, dedication, passion and resourcefulness within the sector and its people. This year has been no different (except that I’ve perhaps needed more tissues than normal!).
As we eagerly anticipate the awards evening, I wanted to take a moment to recognise the achievements of all of this year’s finalists: 39 inspirational individuals, projects and organisations. You’ve been selected from nearly 500 applications, so reaching the finals is an incredible achievement.
While I am sure you are all hopeful of walking away with an award, for those that don’t, I hope it is consolation enough that you have the thanks and admiration of so many of us for what you do. Congratulations to you all!
June Pennykid is managing director of Keegan & Pennykid (Insurance Brokers) Ltd
(Founded in Edinburgh in 1968, Keegan & Pennykid is an independent, second generation, family-owned insurance brokers, with a UK-wide reputation as ethical and expert advisors to the Third Sector).
Main image: June Pennykid and Sally Magnusson present the Charity of the Year award to 2023 winner Diversified.
The Scottish Charity Awards takes place in Glasgow on Thursday, 20 June.
