Some of the happy winners from last year's Celebrate Aberdeen Awards. Image - Celebrate Aberdeen
The finalists have been announced for this year’s Celebrate Aberdeen Awards, an event which recognises and celebrates the huge contribution that the third sector makes to thousands of lives across Aberdeen City and Shire.
This year’s event, which returns for its sixth year, comprises eight award categories, the winners of which will be announced at the celebratory awards ceremony at the Chester Hotel on Saturday, November 1. It follows the annual Celebrate Aberdeen parade which took place on Union Street at the end of August.
The roster of finalists has been welcomed by Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired, which is one of the sponsors and supporters of the Celebrate Aberdeen Awards.
Adrian said: “The Celebrate Aberdeen Awards is a glittering celebration of the Granite City’s third sector who do so much to make a real difference in people’s lives.
“Organisations, large and small, and individuals from all walks of life, work tirelessly to support those who need a helping hand and do so without seeking or expecting reward or recognition for themselves.
“But they do deserve that recognition and that is why Celebrate Aberdeen is one of the most important – and uplifting nights of the year – to thank and applaud those who make our communities better and stronger.
“Aberdeen Inspired is proud to be part of this glittering and joyous event.”
Adrian Watson, chief executive of Aberdeen Inspired. Image - Aberdeen Inspired
Commenting on both the number and calibre of award entries received, Celebrate Aberdeen volunteer Emily Findlay said: “We’ve had a record number of submissions this year, which is fantastic, and it’s been great to see such a wide range of entrants across all categories. Many of this year’s submissions have come from organisations taking part for the first time, which we’re really pleased about.
“The standard was exceptionally high this year which meant that it was incredibly difficult for the judges to select just three finalists in each category, so we’d like to thank them for taking on such a challenging task. We can’t wait to meet up with everyone at awards night and wish all our finalists the very best of luck.
“Celebrate Aberdeen was created to give recognition to the many wonderful people who work in, volunteer for, and support our third sector and though not everyone can be a finalist, we think they are all winners who make a hugely positive contribution to other people’s lives every day of the year.”
Thanks to the generosity and financial support of sponsors, all award category finalists and their guests, will attend gala awards event for free, so that no one is unable to attend because of cost.
Principal sponsors for 2025 are energy sector operators CNR International and CNOOC International, both longtime supporters of Celebrate Aberdeen Awards. Other long-standing sponsors and supporters include Cala Homes, Aberdeen Inspired and Hampton with Harbour Energy and Dax Group coming onboard for the second year.
The 2025 finalists are:
Large Organisation of the Year
- Aberdeen Foyer
- Somebody Cares
- The Archie Foundation
Small Organisation of the Year
- Denis Law Legacy Trust
- Gathimba Edwards Foundation
- Home-Start Aberdeen
Community Impact
- Aberdeen Linking Lives
- Castlegate Arts
- Northfield Community Centre
Young Supporter of the Year
- Ailie MacIntosh, Charlie House
- Angel Ozoemelam, Your Love Rara
- Steven McCahery, We Too!
Volunteer/Fundraiser of the Year
- Chloe Hunter, Denis Law Legacy Trust
- Lynn Easdale, CHAS
- John MacMillan, Somebody Cares
Event/Campaign of the Year
- Asthma & Allergy Foundation, Artful Inhalers: Empowering Young Voices
- Camphill School Aberdeen, Sensory Adventure and Learning Playground
- Community Integrated Care, Peter Pan: Adventure in Neverland
Heart of the Community
- Charlene Kilpatrick
- Jayne Smith
- Rachael Lucas
Team of The Year
- Aberdeen Football Club Community Trust
- Aberdeen Youth Movement
- Camphill Estates, Development Team
More information about Celebrate Aberdeen can be found at celebrate-aberdeen.org