West Lothian charity The Larder is celebrating after being shortlisted for three prestigious awards.
The Larder is in the running in the Rising Star, Unsung Hero and Volunteer Team of the Year categories of the Third Sector Awards.
These awards provide an opportunity for voluntary organisations of all sizes, and the people who work for them, to celebrate their work and the real difference they make to society.
In the Rising Star category is The Larder’s Director of Operations and People, Emma Hamilton, an individual who has experienced significant challenges through their life, started as a Social Media and Administration Assistant before working her way to the Director title she holds today.
With care experience, broken family relationships and time as a single mother, Emma is living proof that given the right conditions and support, everyone can change the direction in their life, to reach their full potential.
She is considered by not only her team, her manager, the Board, but also all partners and supporters that come across her, as a key part of the success of The Larder.
Willie Stirling, The Larder’s ‘Unsung Hero’ earned this accolade for his dedication and life-changing work within the West Lothian community.
Throughout the pandemic, Willie took the lead, supporting his team, creating menus and cooking up meals that were served and delivered to over 900 people experiencing food insecurity.
As things relaxed, he returned to his Chef Trainer position, supporting young people experiencing multiple and complex barriers and additional support needs, to become independent through learning the life skill of cooking.
Willie lives and breathes the values of The Larder and is testament to their success.
The Larder’s team of volunteers support their food insecurity project, Catalyst Kitchen.
Throughout the pandemic and to this day, they have gone over and above to help people in their communities by delivering meals that have been a lifeline to many. They have been dependable, enthusiastic and have become a weekly support in their beneficiaries’ lives, many of whom only see that one volunteer in a week.
They have made a real difference and lasting impression to, not only each and every beneficiary but, to our community and to The Larder as a whole. It is because of their hard work, determination and continued selflessness that they have been shortlisted for this award as without their support The Larder would simply not be.
Angela Moohan, CEO, The Larder says: “I’m incredibly proud of my team and their achievements.
Their work throughout some of our most difficult years has been invaluable to the sustainability and success of The Larder. The whole team showed great strength, dignity, compassion, put others first and gave their all to ensure that no one was hungry and that there was continuity of our services for the young people that we support. This shortlist is a well-deserved recognition.”
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