The Green Team is a finalist for the Scottish Charity of the Year Award, the only environmental charity to make the shortlist in this category. Run annually by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), the Scottish Charity Awards celebrate the best of Scotland’s voluntary sector.
For 25 years the Green Team has been using fun outdoor activities and practical conservation tasks to support young people to connect with nature, others and themselves.
The last year has been one of huge change: improved governance structures and strategy, a new website and brand, and the sourcing and diversification of much-needed income. While all this change was going on, invaluable opportunities were provided for over 1,100 young people in Edinburgh and the Lothians to use nature for education, respite, social development, learning new skills and to take positive action for the environment.
While a judging panel will determine the winner of the Charity of the Year award, members of the public can have their say by voting for their favourite overall entry in the People’s Choice Award.
The Green Team is encouraging those in the Edinburgh and Lothians area, and those who are passionate about the environment and youth work, to vote for them for the People’s Choice Award – by visiting https://scvo.org.uk/scottish-charity-awards/finalists-2020/charity-of-the-year/the-green-team – before 5pm on Friday 4 September 2020.
Penny Radway, Chief Executive of The Green Team, said: “We are delighted and thrilled that in the year that the Green Team celebrates 25 years of connecting with young people through environmental action, we are finalists for the Scottish Charity of the Year Award.”
The full list of finalists can be found on the SCA website.
Due to the impact of coronavirus, this year the Awards will run a little differently. Winners will be announced on 25 September (rescheduled from June) and will now take place online so that all finalists and attendees who wish to attend are still able to join the celebrations in a safe way, regardless of lockdown phase or shielding status.
Anna Fowlie, Chief Executive of SCVO, said: “Much of the work celebrated this year predates the pandemic. All aspects of our lives have been disrupted in 2020. Our communities and the charities, voluntary groups and social enterprises they rely on have been under enormous pressure.
“Scotland’s voluntary sector has never been more needed and will be essential to Scotland’s recovery. At SCVO we know that fantastic work is going on all the time and we are delighted to celebrate these achievements and successes through the Scottish Charity Awards.
“This year’s shortlist of 45 finalists showcases just how diverse our voluntary sector is, and highlights, the fantastic work that has been going on across the country since the last Awards until March this year. The Awards are a great way of celebrating and recognising the people and organisations who make our voluntary sector a crucial part of every part of life in Scotland.
“Our finalists are fantastic, and I would encourage everyone to support their favourite by voting in the People’s Choice Award.”
