Write a commentOver five hundred people from a broad range of community and voluntary organisations attended the Confederation of Community Groups (CCG) Annual ‘Shining Light’ Awards for community volunteers on Friday night in The Canal Court, Newry with eight different awards up for grabs.
Mr Raymond Jackson, Chief Executive Officer of the Confederation of Community Groups, welcomed the guests including Chairperson Newry, Mourne & Down District Council, Councillor Gillian Fitzpatrick.
Mr Jackson extended a cordial welcome to all and said “The Confederation of Community Groups established The ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards to celebrate the life and work of the CCG’s own Patricia Graham who sadly passed away in 2009. Patricia was employed by the Confederation and as a volunteer she gave countless hours of her time to many community projects within this area.
"Tonight’s event, which represents the culmination of many weeks of hard work by CCG staff, reflects the energy and enthusiasm of the volunteers being recognised here this evening. On behalf of the Confederation I would like to thank the adjudication panel including Mary McLaughlin (Family Representative), Hugh Mallon (Former Principal of St Joseph’s Boys HS), Frances Mc Carthy (Newry Credit Union), Victor Coert ( Principal of Kilkeel High School) and Colette Ruddy (Community Volunteer) for taking the time to assess the many nominations we received.
"The ‘Shining Light’ Community Volunteering Awards are established as a means to recognise and value the incredible work of the community and voluntary sector in this area. The Confederation would therefore like to congratulate all our nominees here tonight.The wide range of nominations received demonstrates just how diverse and vibrant the community/ voluntary sector is in this area."
Mr Jackson thanked CCG Staff, The Canal Court Hotel, main sponsors, Newry Credit Union and all the event sponsors.
Also at the event Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Council Chairperson, Gillian Fitzpatrick said “Tonight we are recognising and paying tribute to the many volunteers who work tirelessly for the benefit of local communities throughout the area.
"Newry, Mourne and Down District Council are particularly happy to be associated with this event and to acknowledge the range and quality of nominations which this year has surpassed all expectations. We are further delighted with the fantastic level of support on display here tonight.
"We cannot overstate the important contribution made by local volunteers to ensuring that the Newry & Mourne area continues to be a vibrant and friendly place in which to live. Newry, Mourne and Down District Council believes that it is vital that the work carried out by local volunteers is formally recognised both by their colleagues in the community/ voluntary sector and also, as in tonight’s event, by the private sector and by ourselves in the statutory sector."
