Maria’s awards to focus on work of local charities

Maria’s awards to focus on work of local charities

12 February 2014

CHARITIES will be the focus of this year’s Down Council Chairman’s Awards.

The work done by the charities and their supporters will be recognised when councillor Maria McCarthy, the current council chairman, hosts the awards ceremony in April.

“This year’s event seeks to recognise and celebrate the work of our local charities, and is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to all those who make a valuable contribution to the lives of people in our community,” said Maria.

“The 2014 Chairman’s Awards will see individuals and charities being honoured for their achievements and dedication.

“My initiative to honour the hard work undertaken by the charity sector seeks to identify examples of best practice and highlight the work of Down District-based charities which demonstrate a high level of excellence in what they achieve.

“I hope this year’s nominations will showcase the incredible talent of people who have made outstanding contributions to their charities. Our charitable sector is an invaluable source of support to our community and that’s why I felt it was important to award this sector during my term as chairman of Down District Council.”?

Awards are open for all registered charities in Down District and the categories are: Best New Charity, Charity of the Year, Fundraising Team of the Year, Outstanding Charity Champion and the Chairman’s Special Recognition Award.

“If you know a local charity, fundraising team or individual champion that deserves to win an award please nominate now, to ensure that they receive the recognition they deserve,” added Maria. “Each winning nomination will receive a donation of £1,000 and will be invited to attend a special evening reception at the Downshire Civic Centre, Downpatrick in April.”

Applicants can be self-nominated or nominated by another person.

Closing date for receipt of nominations is 4pm on Monday, March 3. Nomination forms can be downloaded from the Council’s website www.downdc.gov.uk or by telephoning 028 4461 0854.