The tireless dedication of people to support those around them throughout the pandemic has been celebrated as part of the Scotland Loves Local campaign’s High Street Heroes Awards.
And Kilwinning community stalwart Colin Young has just been named North Ayrshire’s regional champion in the awards.
The award was in recognition of the ‘remarkable work’ carried out by Colin Young of Ayrshire Communities Education and Sport (ACES) for the community during the pandemic.
We reported back in June on ACES’ Neighbours Helping Neighbours project which saw the team giving residents a helping hand with essential food items, fresh fruit and cleaning products, supported by Tesco in Irvine.
Colin, development officer for ACES, based at Kilwinning’s Woodwynd Centre, thanked everyone who voted for him on the group’s Facebook page.
But humble Colin insisted it was a team effort. He told the Irvine Herald: “I was a bit surprised to be honest. I’m only the spokesperson for our group.
“It’s nice people took time out to nominate me, but really we only did it to help out.”
Scotland’s Communities Secretary, Aileen Campbell, has thanked everyone nominated across the country for their efforts.
She said: “I would like to thank these High Street Heroes for going the extra mile to help their communities during the coronavirus pandemic.
“I am pleased the Scottish Government has been able to support these awards through our funding for Scotland’s Towns Partnership. They typify the kind of community spirit that has supported people and improved lives.
“This has been a difficult year for all of us, and the only way we will get through is by sticking together, being kind, and offering help where it is needed.
"The fact that these awards received more than 1,200 nominations just shows how much people have appreciated those who have pulled together to help one another.”
Scotland Loves Local is spearheaded by Scotland’s Towns Partnership (STP) with the support of the Scottish Government to help the country’s response to the pandemic by thinking local first for all shopping and service needs.
STP’s Chief Officer, Phil Prentice, said: “The dedication with which people across Ayrshire have supported those around them during the pandemic has been remarkable. We’re delighted to shine a spotlight on the amazing difference that our High Street Heroes have made and thank them for all they have done.
“They are an inspiration - local people helping their communities and customers like never before. They highlight the vital part that high street businesses play in our lives and why we must support them to ensure they continue to be there for us.”
ACES has been running since 2007 and usually run youth clubs, school holiday clubs and kids parties in the Woodwynd Community Centre and awareness sessions in schools.
