Celebrating Excellence at the Inaugural VIPK Awards 2026
The inaugural Volunteering in Perth & Kinross (VIPK) Awards brought together volunteers, community organisations and supporters from across Perth & Kinross to celebrate the remarkable people who give their time, skills and passion to make a difference.
Created to recognise the invaluable contribution of volunteers throughout our communities, the VIPK Awards shine a spotlight on those whose dedication, kindness and commitment help strengthen local organisations and improve lives every day. From inspiring individuals to outstanding volunteer teams, the evening celebrated the incredible impact of volunteering across Perth & Kinross.
Below, you can explore each award category, meet our winners, runners-up and shortlisted finalists, and relive some of the highlights from a truly memorable evening.
The Evening in Pictures
The Awards
Youth Volunteer Award
A young person who has made a meaningful contribution to their community through volunteering.
Winner
Lucy Cross
Gymnastics Coach / School Sport Ambassador – Live Active Leisure
Runner-up
Cammie Sellars
Crook Youth Club/Youth Voice – KYTHE
Environmental Volunteer
Someone whose volunteering has had a positive impact on the natural environment, whether through an organisation or independent community action.
Winner
Muriel Harvey
swap shop volunteer – Letham Climate Challenge
Runner-up
Margaret Lear
Perthshire Seed Library Volunteer – CulturePK
Board Member / Trustee
An individual who has provided outstanding leadership, governance and commitment as a board member or trustee, helping an organisation achieve its mission.
Winner
Wilma Martin
Chair – Strathearn Building Bridges
Runner-up
Jennie Godfrey
Organiser – Perthshire Welfare Society
Runner-up
Edna Lilley
Admin/Reception – Perthshire Welfare Society
Long Standing Volunteer
Someone who has shown long-term commitment and dedication to volunteering over five or more years.
Winner
Liz Brown
Benefit Advisor – Perth Citizens Advice Bureau
Runner-up
Jean Hendry
Various Roles over the years – CHAS
Finalists
- Asifa Mukhtar – Volunteer – Perthshire Welfare Society
- Cathy Clifford – Active Schools Volunteer – Live Active Leisure
- Cristina Wilkie – Senior Volunteer – Perthshire Welfare Society
- Deirdre Joy – Volunteer Mentor – MCR Pathways
- Jamie Barrett – Charity Shop Retail Volunteer – CATH
- Malik Rashid – Founding Member – Perthshire Welfare Society
Volunteer Manager
An individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in supporting, inspiring and developing volunteers, creating a positive and rewarding volunteering experience.
Winner
Janice Paterson
Recovery and Development Manager – The Walled Garden and Wisecraft (PKAVS)
Innovative Volunteer
Someone who has introduced a new idea or approach that has helped an organisation or community develop, whether through strategy, fundraising, service development or creative thinking.
Winner
Fiona Wellstood
Lead Tea Dance Volunteer- Strathearn Arts
Judging Panel
- Jay Stuart – Student from Dundee University
- Karen Evans – CLD team in PKC
- Emma Hanlon – Volunteering Development Manager at CHAS.
Thank You!
The VIPK Awards wouldn’t have been possible without our nominees, finalists, winners, judges, sponsors, partners and every guest who joined us for our inaugural celebration
Our first VIPK Awards may be over, but this is only the beginning. We look forward to celebrating even more outstanding achievements in the years to come.
Third Sector PK