Nearly 300 guests gathered to celebrate the outstanding contribution of volunteers and community organisations from across Falkirk District at CVS Falkirk & District’s Volunteering Awards Ceremony on Tuesday 2 June 2026.

Kicking off Volunteers’ Week celebrations across the District, CVS Falkirk & District were thrilled to recognise more than 456,000 volunteering hours across 125 award nominations. Opening the ceremony, Chief Executive Officer Victoria McRae praised the dedication of local volunteers, highlighting that over 2000 ‘Celebrating Volunteering Certificates’ had been issued across the area this year. Leading into the Awards presentation, Victoria also reflected,

“Tonight’s awards are not just about recognition, but they are also about gratitude – gratitude for the countless hours given freely, the skills shared generously, and the lives improved through acts of service that often take place quietly, without expectation of reward or recognition. To all of our nominees, thank you. Your dedication enriches the lives of countless people, strengthens our communities, and serves as an inspiration to us all. It is a privilege to celebrate your achievements.”

The ‘Green Award’ was granted to Blooming Bairns, a community organisation transforming Falkirk into a thriving urban garden that supports healthier people, stronger communities, and a richer natural environment. Through community-led projects, the organisation creates inclusive green spaces, enhances biodiversity, reduces isolation, and encourages local pride and stewardship. Over the past year, their volunteers have planted more than 2600 plants and 3000 bulbs, helping to create a greener and more welcoming environment.

The Forth Valley Sensory Centre was in receipt of the ‘Health and Wellbeing Award’, recognising their significant impact in supporting those with sight and hearing loss through inclusive activities, advocacy, and holistic wellbeing services. Through volunteering, events, and accessible community spaces, the Centre promotes inclusion, improves wellbeing, and empowers people to live confident, connected lives.

Helping to make a real difference, Bohdenn Richardson was awarded the Young Volunteer of the Year for his dedication to The Kit-Tea Café. As one of the café’s original volunteers, Bohdenn has contributed more than 2500 hours of volunteering, demonstrating exceptional commitment and compassion, with his nominator highlighting: “His generosity of time, personal growth, and unwavering dedication to both people and animals make him an outstanding young volunteer whose contribution has had a lasting impact on the Kit-Tea Café community.”

A new award for 2026, recognising those whose volunteering journey is defined by remarkable resilience, courage, and determination, the ‘Strength in Service Award’ was presented to Kieran Inglis. As part of Recovery Scotland – Forth Valley Recovery Community, Kieran has volunteered over the past year in recovery cafés, helping to run sessions and provide support to young people affected by addiction. After overcoming personal challenges, Kieran chose to give back to the recovery community that supported him – becoming the organisation’s youngest volunteer. Since then, he has provided one-to-one support, helping others access cafés, activities, and peer networks. Through his compassion, resilience, and dedication, Kieran has become a trusted role model within the recovery community, embodying the true spirit of peer support and inspiring others to believe that positive change is possible.

In recognition of their outstanding service, the ‘Community Led Action Award’ (new for 2026) was given to SeaLock Infinity – SeaLock Centre. SeaLock is a community-led charity providing a safe, inclusive space for children, families, and local groups across Falkirk. Shaped by the needs of the local community, through educational, recreational, and social programmes, their team of volunteers promote wellbeing, inclusion, skill development, and stronger community connections.

In the most nominated for category, Frank Donnelly was named ‘Volunteer of the Year’, recognising his outstanding contribution to the benefit of our local communities. For more than 30 years, Frank has made an extraordinary difference to the lives of adults with learning disabilities through his dedication, compassion, and leadership. As the driving force behind the Enable Falkirk – Wednesday Club, he has created a safe, welcoming, and uplifting space where members feel valued, supported, and connected. Beyond the club, Frank has been a passionate advocate for people with disabilities and their families, ensuring their voices are heard. His lifelong commitment to service has left a lasting and immeasurable impact on his community.

Safe Drive Stay Alive was named ‘Organisation of the Year‘ in recognition of its long-running road safety education programme aimed at reducing deaths and serious injuries among young drivers. An Emergency Service volunteer led organisation, their team delivers talks throughout the year to schools and organisations such as Brownies and Boys Brigades, as well as hosting a weeklong series of shows, which previously has seen more than 4000 young people in attendance.

Celebrating her significant long-term impact, the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award‘ was presented to Jean Currie whose volunteering has made not just a difference in our communities but also a lasting legacy. Jean’s extraordinary 30+ years of volunteering at Strathcarron Hospice is a testament to unwavering compassion, dedication and service. Now aged 94, Jean has supported patients, families and staff in countless ways, from Hospice Daycare and patient transport to leading creative art sessions and much more. Her nomination highlighted,

“Jean has demonstrated a level of commitment that is both rare and inspiring. Her legacy is measured not just in years of service, but in the thousands of lives she has touched with kindness, dignity and joy. Over three decades, she has continually adapted her volunteering role to meet the changing needs of the hospice, always saying yes, always putting others first.”

Among the evening’s winners, CVS Falkirk & District also presented a selection of Highly Commended Awards. These included 1^st Step Development Ventures – Green Award, and Orla King – Volunteer of the Year. Reflecting on the process, judging panellist Anne McDonald highlighted:

“Reading through those nominations was both inspiring and humbling. The commitment, generosity and compassion demonstrated by volunteers across our communities was extraordinary, and selecting finalists was no easy task. This evening is a celebration of all of you — individuals who give their time, energy and care to improve the lives of others. You should be immensely proud of your achievements. I know I speak on behalf of the entire judging panel when I say that we are profoundly grateful for all that you do.”

To great delight from attendees, guests were piped in by Debbie from Camelon & District Pipe Band before being treated to a performance from Daniel Small on his Accordion. Daniel is a promising student from Larbert High School who was recently named Traditional Musician of the Year at the Scottish Young Musicians Solo Performer of the Year competition, as well as winning Falkirk Council’s Young Musician of the Year in March 2026. Alongside this, guests heard from inspirational speakers Murray McIntyre, who has led Falkirk Foundation Blind Club for more than 25 years, and Anne McDonald BEM, founder of Meadowbank Car4U which has provided free transport to hundreds of cancer patients attending treatment appointments over the past decade:

“Since then, 58 volunteer drivers have supported 277 patients travelling to 4564 appointments across 21 different hospital locations, while covering almost 273,000 miles. These figures are remarkable, but they represent far more than statistics. They represent reassurance, compassion and practical support for people facing some of the most difficult periods of their lives.”

Reflecting on the evening, guest presenter and broadcaster Kaye Adams commended volunteers for their generosity, resilience and commitment to strengthening local communities:

“I can’t tell you how delighted I was to be part of this evening to celebrate and recognise the impact of your volunteering. This area is such a special place, and like everywhere else, it has gone through its ups and downs due to things beyond our control to a large extent. However, what you do here is take back some of that control by doing the incredible things that you do, by giving so generously of your time, your efforts, your skills, your talents, and your care. You are the beating heart of this community and whatever politicians or big business throw at us that will never ever change.”

The team at CVS Falkirk & District would also like to extent their thanks to the local third sector organisations and private companies who supported the event, with the donation of various fantastic prizes for the ‘spot prize’ raffle: Cake Box Falkirk, D2 The Creative Centre, FEL Scotland, Grangemouth Golf Club, and Tea House Larbert.