STV’s John MacKay Pays Tribute to Volunteering Champion
Monday 26th June 2017An 18 year old member of The Boys’ Brigade Scotland has been presented with one of the organisation’s most coveted accolades.
Alan Graham from Airdrie was presented with the Make a Difference Award. STV news stalwart and former BB member John MacKay did the honours and also treated Alan to a tour of the studio where he saw a live news being broadcast.
Alan, of the 1st New Monkland Company, received the national honour for helping others in his local community where he carried out in excess of 250 hours at Airdrie Foodbank.
Alan was joined at the presentation by Company Captain Calum McLeod and Fiona Curtis, Volunteer Coordinator of Airdrie Food Bank.
His volunteering efforts are going towards his Queen’s Badge and he is set to embark on the KGVI youth leadership course this summer. He said:
“It’s an amazing feeling and a great honour. It came as a big surprise as it was it was a very unexpected nomination.
“My volunteering has given me a much clearer understanding of foodbanks and just how many people rely on them. The experience has also really helped me develop my teamwork and communication skills.”
Alan gets tour of studio from John
The Make a Difference Award was established in 2009 and is a UK-wide award which recognises and celebrates the achievement of a BB young person who has went above and beyond to help others in their community.
Following the presentation, John MacKay said:
“It’s a remarkable thing for such a young man to get involved in the food bank and make a difference to society. Alan’s story is an inspiring one.”
Airdrie Foodbank Manager, David Findlay, said:
“We are delighted that Alan’s volunteering at the foodbank has been recognised and he thoroughly deserves the award.
“Since volunteering at the foodbank, Alan’s commitment has been unrelenting especially when Alan was sitting his school exams. He is always willing to get involved in different aspects of the foodbank operation and we are extremely grateful to Alan and his parents for their continued support.”
“Congratulations to Alan. We are exceptionally proud of him and the commitment he has given Airdrie Foodbank and The Boys’ Brigade.
“Like so many of our young people, he has dedicated a huge amount of time and energy volunteering in the local community. His story is really a remarkable one.”
Nominations for the 2017 Make a Difference award are open until the end of June. Find out more.
Tags: Make a Difference
