Liz Cann and Colin Arthur have been named as Fort Kinnaird’s Community Heroes after going the extra mile in supporting their communities over the past year.
Fort Kinnaird called for people to nominate their friends, family, and neighbours living and working in the local community who had gone above and beyond in 2022 to receive an extra gift to say thank you. The centre was inundated with entries, but two stories stood out.
Drumbrae resident Liz Cann was nominated by her friend and colleague at Social Bite for her dedication to voluntary work and fundraising. At the homeless charity, Liz supported with collecting and delivering presents to community groups in December, along with helping to host a Christmas Eve lunch at the charity’s main centre in Edinburgh.
Liz also played a vital role at another local charity, Fight Against Cancer Edinburgh (F.A.C.E). After fundraising for more than a year, Liz took a group of more than 40 children and family members affected by cancer to Lapland in December last year to meet Santa and enjoy the magic of Christmas together.
Musselburgh Rugby player Colin Arthur was nominated by the parent of a child who plays at the club.
Colin, who lives in Musselburgh, led the rugby club in supporting the nationwide Rainbow Laces campaign, a symbol of inclusion across sport, and proactively encouraged other local clubs to participate.
In doing so, he’s been instrumental in creating an inclusive environment for members of the LGBTQI+ community not just for people to play rugby, but also be open about struggles with mental health.
As a small way of saying thank you, Fort Kinnaird has given Liz and Colin £250 each to spend at the centre in recognition of all their work in the local community.
Liz Cann said: “It’s a huge surprise to win this award, no one who works with charities or volunteers in their communities ever think of themselves as heroes.
“We’re just doing our bit, but it’s quite moving to be recognised in this way.”
Colin Arthur said: “I’m really grateful to have even been nominated for this competition, let alone be one of those selected to win it.
“It’s brilliant to see what we’re working on at Musselburgh being recognised and promoted in this way, hopefully it will spark more important conversations at sports clubs across our region.”
Liam Smith, centre director at Fort Kinnaird, added: “Giving back is so important and, now more than ever, we want to do our bit to recognise the people who are going above and beyond to help those most in need.
“We were so inspired by Liz and Colin’s stories, hearing about everything they do to help and support others. A huge thank you to them, and all the other heroes, charities, and organisations that continue to work tirelessly to support our community.”
An additional ten runners-up were also chosen and received a £50 voucher to spend at the centre.
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