Latest News from PKAVS

Volunteers hit the street at Perth's most successful Volunteer Fair

Members of the public took to the streets of Perth to find out about volunteering opportunities at the annual Volunteer Street Market. Twenty-five charities showcased their services and activities and included Cats Protection, the Samaritans, Guide Dogs for the Blind, MS Society and event organisers, the Volunteer Centre. The event was opened by The Provost at 10am with entertainment from Perth & District Pipe Band, and has been hailed by event organisers as one of the most successful volunteer street fairs to date. 

Photograph by Fraser Band www.fraserband.co.uk

Recognition of local Volunteers at glitzy Awards Evening

Over a hundred volunteers attended Perth & Kinross' Volunteer Appreciation and Awards Event at the Salutation Hotel on 29 May. The event was organised by PKAVS 'Volunteer Centre' and celebrated the outstanding achievements of local volunteers or all ages. The Provost presented awards to six remarkable winners, including Young Volunteer of the Year 2009, Rebecca Nisbet, and Volunteer of the year 2009, David Smith. 

Father and son charity cycle challenge

Father and son Andy and Alex Clayton have teamed up to cycle from Lands End to John O' Groats to raise money for local carers. The duo will set off on their challenging cycle on 9 June to kick-start national Carers Week which runs from 8-14 June. To sponsor Andy and Alex and help raise money to support The Princess Royal Trust Carers Centre and the Young Carers Project, contact Margaret Clayton at The Gateway on 01738 567076.

Salutation Hotel party nights pull in £1,040

Staff and customers at The Salutation Hotel in Perth combined fundraising with the festive season to raise over £1,000 for PKAVS. During eleven glitzy Christmas and Valentine party nights, hotel staff organised champagne raffles in aid of PKAVS. Hundreds of party goers joined in the festive spirit, taking the grand total raised by the hotel since 2007 to an incredible £2,500.  

Comedy night raises £500 for Young Carers  

Milnathort Town Hall experienced a night like no other when five comedians from the Edinburgh and Glasgow comedy circuits took to the stage to raise funds for PKAVS. The sell-out event was organised by Kinross Ladies Circle and raised £1,000 for charity, £500 of which will go to the Young Carers Project in Perth & Kinross.

MARCH FORWARD - The Voluntary Sector Conference 2009

Over a hundred delegates and exhibitors took part in Perth & Kinross' eighth Voluntary and Community Sector Conference in the Salutation Hotel on 6 March. The one-day event "March Forward" was organised by PKAVS' CVS and Volunteer Centre teams and offered unique learning and networking opportunities for staff and volunteers from local charities and community groups.

A series of keynote speeches by Geoff Pearson from the Scottish Government, Harriet Eadie of Volunteer Centre Edinburgh and Kirsten Gooday from Community Care Providers Scotland set the scene in the morning. The speakers stressed the quality and breadth of services provided by the voluntary sector while recognising the threats and challenges ahead and the impact of the current recession on volunteering.

Throughout the day, delegates took part in a variety of topical workshops delivered by Perth & Kinross Council, FunderFinder, Volunteer Centre Angus and Volunteer Development Scotland. The afternoon session offered light-hearted entertainment from local comedian Bruce Fummey and a voluntary sector quiz.

With thanks to our conference sponsor Unity Trust Bank and funder Perth & Kinross Council