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friday 3 october 2003
scottish charity wins the guardian
charity awards 2003
Friends of the Earth Scotland was
announced today as one of the winners of the
Guardian Charity Awards 2003. The
Scottish-based charity received their award
at a ceremony in London hosted by former
jockey and Grand National winner, Bob
Champion MBE.
The Guardian Charity Awards aim to reward
small charities, with an income of less than
£1 million for their contribution to social
welfare in the community. Each winner
receives a cheque for £5,000 and a website
designed by smartchange.org.
Friends of the Earth was the only
Scottish-based charity to win. The others
winners were: Theodora Children's Trust,
London; Shilbottle Skills Centre,
Northumberland; Ace of Clubs, London; and No
Panic, Telford.
Commenting Friends of the Earth ScotlandÕs
Chief Executive, Duncan McLaren, said:
"We are absolutely delighted that our
ground-breaking work on environmental justice
has been recognised by this prestigious
award. It is Friends of the EarthÕs work with
socially and economically disadvantaged
communities across urban and rural Scotland
that truly sets us out from the rest of the
environment movement. We know that by
empowering communities with the knowledge and
skills to tackle environmental problems for
themselves will, in the long run, benefit us
all”
The winners were decided by a judging
panel that included: Simon Armson, Chief
Executive of the Samaritans; Naomi
Eisenstadt, Chief Executive, Sure Start;
Stuart Etherington, Chief Executive, National
Council of Voluntary Organisations; Tina
Christou, Head of property communications, J
Sainsbury plc and David Brindle, Public
Services Editor, The Guardian. David Brindle,
Public Services Editor, The Guardian, said: "
Once again the judging panel have been
staggered by the standard of entries to the
Guardian Charity Awards. This is a great
opportunity to reward the invaluable
contribution that these small charities make
to their local communities".
For more information and photographs
contact:
Diane Heath, Guardian Press Office, 020
7239 9936.
Notes to editors:
[1] Friends of the Earth Scotland
Friends of the Earth Scotland set up the
UK's first accredited environmental justice
course for community activists, training 16
socially and economically disadvantaged
communities across urban and rural Scotland.
Successes include a community waste
minimisation network in Mull and Iona; a
women's health and housing group; a nappy
network promoting environmentally friendly
nappies; the largest community sustainability
audit in Midlothian; and a campaign which
halted the development of a damaging sand and
gravel quarry near a community.
http://www.foe-scotland.org.uk/nation/ej.html
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