It Wis US What Won It!
It wasn’t quite the Oscars, but when it comes to the local voluntary sector, the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards were the only show in town.
With scores of entries from all over the city, the staff and volunteers at the Fersands and Fountain SCIO were delighted to find themselves among the three finalists of the ‘Small Organisation of the Year Award’. Our friendly competitors were SensationAll and Abernecessaties. As these organisations do great work, we knew victory would be an uphill task.
The grand night at the Chester Hotel came round, and a selection of local stalwarts were there to enjoy the event (along with the slap-up meal!). The Aberdeen Rock Choir were there to keep us entertained as we eagerly anticipated the big moment. 
STV North Editor David McKenzie took to the stage, and after giving a glowing account of the work of all three finalists, announced our project as the winners. A frenzy of screaming and hugging ensued (especially from Mark). Our whole group took to the stage to take a bow and enjoy a well-deserved moment in the spotlight.
Charlene K, Trustee of the project said “Fersands is always there for everyone in the community and deserves this recognition for all their great work.”
It wasn’t quite the Oscars, but I would like to thank my mother and father, my friends and everyone that knows me……
Well done, Fersands!
And Campaign of the year goes to…. shmu!
We at shmu are delighted to have won Campaign of the year at this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen Awards for our 2022 Challenge Poverty Week Campaign. 
It was an absolute honour to be nominated alongside The Archie Foundation and Camphill School, as well as all the other brilliant organisations and services celebrated this year.
shmu are immensely proud of our campaign and all who took part and helped make it happen! Lucy our Communications officer said, “Thanks to all the incredible shmu volunteers, staff and all the organisations who took part, especially Cfine, ACVO and Abernecessities.
“In the 21st century we shouldn’t have to be tackling poverty, but the third sector is wonderful in Aberdeen and hopefully we can create a society that’s equal for all. Thank you so much for the support.”
Tanya, who played a key role in the campaign also took to the stage at the Celebration. She said “We were presented with an opportunity to discuss something that is so often kept secret. We were at a point where everyone was struggling; our parents were struggling, and everyone was trying their best to keep their heads above water.
“We thought we had to share our voices for those who couldn’t, for those who didn’t have a platform and for those who thought no one was listening. We are listening!”
Thanks again to Celebrate Aberdeen for honouring both shmu and Fersands and the community for supporting us.
