ONE OF the most eagerly-anticipated local awards was announced at Dunoon Dazzles last Saturday.
And instead of one community champion, two were announced.
As well as the adult who the BID committee would like to commend for their community work, a new junior award was introduced this year.
The adult champion was announced as Helena McLay for her work with the Angel Tree and Stayfresh Festival, and the junior champion as 11-year-old serial charity fundraiser Ellie Emmerson.
One nomination for Ellie reads: “I would like to nominate Ellie Emmerson for a Dunoon Community Award 2024.
“Even though Ellie is still at primary school, she has raised an enormous amount of money, through a variety of activities, to help others in need.
“Ellie first started her fund raising activities during lockdown, when she put out appeals for Homeless Glasgow for clothes etc and essential food.
“Ellie continued organising raffles , sponsored walks , tombolas, table sales etc for Pink Ladies and Crossroads Young Carers.
“Ellie then decided she wanted to donate her long hair to Little Princess Trust and went on to raise money for their wig making department, she raised over £1200 for this charity.
“Over the last three months Ellie has raised £1,710.50 for Crossroads and Young Carers, through a range of activities.
“Over just this year Ellie must have raised in total over £3,000 for a variety of charities.
“And Ellie hasn’t finished yet, she has a sponsored swim and another sponsored walk planned.
“Organising these activities is not always easy for Ellie, due to her hidden disabilities, but she never gives up as she cares deeply about helping others.
“Well done, Ellie Emmerson.”
One nomination for Helena reads: “I would like to nominate Helena McLay as this year’s community champion, for her work with The Angel Tree. Ensuring that so many children and families receive gifts and kindness.”
Helena was also mentioned in nominations for the fundraising Stayfresh Festival.
Nominees were: Kirn and Hunter’s Quay Bowling Club, Brian from Pricewise, Bobby Crowe, Elspeth Black, Tam McDonald, Caroline Whitworh-Fraser, StayFresh team, Dunoon Food Bank, Kay Denman, Charles Black Jnr and Soap.
BID manager Colin Moulson said: “Dunoon also now has not just one but two community champions. With Helena McLay being voted the 2024 champion and the newly introduced junior award going to 11-year-old Ellie Emmerson – congratulations to them both and to all the nominees who are also doing fabulous work within local community.”
