Queen pays tribute to Ardgowan Hospice Volunteers with prestigious Award

Ardgowan Hospice has been announced as one of 79 volunteering groups from across the UK winning this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, recognising the outstanding contributions made to local communities by groups voluntarily devoting their time for the benefit of others.

The prestigious National Honour, which is equivalent to the MBE, sets the national benchmark for excellence in volunteering, and the activities of those awarded have been judged of the highest standard.

The Hospice received the Award from Her Majesty in recognition of the many volunteers who give up their time freely to work in various departments supporting the Hospice.  The range of activities is quite phenomenal, including fundraising and reception duties to volunteer driving, staffing the Hospice shops and assisting in the kitchen.

The 2008 Award winners were selected from 379 groups nominated by members of the public who have been helped personally or witnessed the benefits of a group’s work in their community. Ardgowan will be presented with an exclusive crystal trophy marking their success at a special local ceremony being given by the Queen’s Lord Lieutenant for Renfrewshire.

Speaking of their success, Dorothy McElroy, Chief Executive Officer commented:
“We are absolutely delighted to have received this prestigious award especially as it recognises the sterling work that our many volunteers do within the Hospice.  It is a testament to their commitment to Ardgowan Hospice and we are extremely grateful to them for their continued support.”

Phil Hope, Minister for the Third Sector, said, "I’m sure everyone in Inverclyde will join me in offering Ardgowan Hospice our congratulations and sincere thanks.

“The work of Ardgowan Hospice demonstrates the positive impact that volunteers have on communities, work they undertake without seeking any kind of accolade. That is why I’m particularly pleased their efforts are recognised by the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.”

More than 600 groups around the UK have now won the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, over the six years since it was created by Her Majesty to mark the occasion of her Golden Jubilee in 2002.

For details of all this year’s Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service winners and information on how to nominate a group that really makes a difference, visit www.queensawardvoluntary.gov.uk, where a nomination form can be downloaded.