MPs encourage local volunteer nominations

2.24.57pm UTC (GMT +0000) Fri 21st Sep 2007

Malcolm Bruce MP is joining with Robert Smith MP to encourage locals to nominate volunteer groups for the next Queen's Award for Voluntary Service

Malcolm Bruce MP together with Robert Smith MP are encouraging local people to nominate local volunteer groups for next year's Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, an award which recognises the immense contribution volunteers make to their communities. With less than a month to go until the 2008 nomination deadline, time is running out to recognise these local voluntary groups.

Now in its sixth year, the Award was created to mark the occasion of the Queen's Golden Jubilee. To date, the Award has honoured over 560 voluntary groups, including 71 this year alone with each winning group receiving a certificate signed by the Queen and a commemorative piece of crystal.

Sir Robert Smith MP for West Aberdeenshire & Kincardine & Malcolm Bruce MP for Gordon are keen to see the large amount of voluntary work carried out across Aberdeenshire recognised.

Robert Smith said "So many people give of their time and skills to support others and it is important that their effort is recognised by the wider community. This is a great opportunity for us to show our appreciation."

Mr Bruce added, "Without these local groups, many of our vulnerable people would be worse off."

In the first year of the awards, 2003, Portlethen Community Ambulance received an award for their efforts to provide transport for patients to and from the Portlethen Medical Centre as well as providing transport for other community groups.

If you know a volunteering group that is really making a difference to your community, then nomination forms for the 2008 Queen's Award for Voluntary Service are available from www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk or by calling 0845 000 2002. The nomination period runs until 30 September 2007.