Locals are being encouraged to nominate their community stalwarts for the 2019 Dundee Citizen of the Year award.
The nominations officially open on Thursday for the award, which recognises
unsung neighbourhood champions throughout the city.
Past winners include 2018’s Debbie Findlay, a regular food bank volunteer who also helps patients sick with cancer and organises tea dances for the city’s older people.
2017’s winner was Whitfield campaigner George Roberts who championed investment in the local area and was instrumental in securing funding for regeneration work.
Lord Provost Ian Borthwick said the awards are an essential annual event that strengthens and rewards community spirit.
He said: “The title of Citizen of the Year is a special one, not only because it is awarded to someone who has provided outstanding service to the community, normally on a voluntary basis, but also because the nominations come directly from members of our community — people who have benefited from, seen or been involved first hand with the person they are nominating and know for themselves the good work that the individual has been doing, sometimes over many years.
“The accolade of Citizen of the Year is the city’s way of celebrating truly outstanding individuals.”
Other previous Citizen of the Year winners include British Empire Medal recipient Stella Carrington and local businessman Mohammed Issa.
As well as receiving recognition from the council, the winner will attend civic events throughout the year.
Mr Borthwick added: “In choosing Dundee’s Citizen of the Year the judges look in particular for selfless service to a voluntary body or the community or someone whose service activities bring distinction and quality to everyday life in Dundee.
“Most of these people don’t expect to get any reward for what they do but it’s so important to make sure they know how valued they are.”
Nominations close on December 31 with the winner announced in January next year.
Candidates must live in the Dundee City Council area and must have provided an ‘outstanding service’ to the community.
Forms are available from
https://www.dundeecity.gov.uk/service-area/corporate-services/democratic-and-legal-services/dundee-citizen-of-the-year
or by telephone on 01382 434444.
