Published on:
09
February 2015
Six individuals and two local groups have been selected as finalists to become the Clackmannanshire Citizen of the Year.
Vicky Brown, Christine Calder, Richard Donaldson, Florence MacKenzie, Maureen Pearson, Johanna Wilkinson, Resonate Arts House and Sauchie Activ8 are the finalists. The winner of the award, which is sponsored by the Lord Lieutenant's Trust, will be announced at a ceremony at the Speirs Centre on 5th March.
Vicky Brown has been involved in fundraising for Diabetes UK following the death of her friend who died from type 1 diabetes. She is a key member of the Alloa Ladies group who raise funds through running the Alloa Half Marathon. The fundraising has gone towards a Family Support Weekend which help families who are living with the condition.
Christine Calder is a founder member of Tullibody History Group and was instrumental in the opening of the Tullibody Heritage Centre. She constructed a model of Tullibody House and devotes a great deal of time to researching and promoting the history of Tullibody. Chris is highly regarded within the community for her talent and dedication.
Richard Donaldson is current President of Alva Pensioners Association and is responsible for the Parklands Centre. He has obtained grants for the centre and also supports fundraising activities for Alva Pensioners. Richard is also Chairman of the Clackmannanshire Older Adults Forum and has attended the Scottish Parliament to represent the group's views.
Florence MacKenzie volunteers through a number of organisations, including Sauchie Community Group, Sauchie Pensioners Association and Clackmannanshire Older Adults Forum, showing commitment to improving the lives of older people. Her contribution has helped to strengthen and consolidate the organisations she is involved in.
Maureen Pearson has been involved in fundraising for Alzheimer Scotland since 1998, raising in excess of £16,500. Maureen is also a keen gardener and her garden is one of the gardens open in Dollar, raising funds for Strathcarron Hospice. The community of Dollar look forward to the annual event with approximately 100 people attending each year.
Johanna Wilkinson works tirelessly within the community as a volunteer with Sauchie Community Group, Clackmannanshire Tenants and Residents Federation, Central Advocacy Partners, the Art Club and SSAFA. She promotes the interests of the learning disabled and dementia sufferers as well as ex-service personnel, and inspires others to support these groups.
Resonate Arts House ensures the community of Clackmannanshire can become involved in arts, crafts and well-being activities, many of which are free to attend. Resonate holds a month long festival of free activities called the Happiness Festival during the Easter holidays. Resonate works with many disadvantaged people providing opportunities to gain employment skills.
Sauchie Activ8 deliver a wide range of services, events and activities supporting a wide age range in Sauchie including the Youth Club, Over 50s Keep Fit, free computer classes, supporting the foodbank and the annual Sauchie Gala. They also run free courses for the unemployed to help gain employment skills.
Provost Tina Murphy said: "These citizens and groups have put in an enormous amount of dedicated service to their communities, helping to ensure that Clackmannanshire is a better place for everyone to live in, and they are worthy nominees."
The current joint Citizens of the Year are Marion Levitt and Gary Richardson in recognition of their dedication and commitment to a life-time of voluntary service in Clackmannanshire.