UNSUNG HEROES RECEIVE AWARDS AT MILLY'S BALL
Unsung heroes receive awards at Milly's Ball
Volunteers contribute so much towards community life
URBAN Community Network group, Focus, celebrated a highly successful Community Awards night recently in honour of the many volunteers who contributed so much towards the community in the Omagh area.
Included among the many award winners were former Council Chief Executive, John McKinney, who received the 'Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award' and Rozella Kelly, who received the 'Total Team Player Award'.
Focus Chairperson, Rozella Kelly, said the awards night had been organised to acknowledge all volunteers in the community sector within the Omagh Town area adding that she was delighted to see so many present.
"All of those nominated for the various awards tonight have all demonstrated their commitment to improving their communities and organisations.
"Whilst we have winners in every category, everybody nominated should feel justifiably proud of their achievements, and that we all recognise their valuable contribution to the local community," she said.
In addition Rozella paid tribute to the organisation's founders and the many local groups who have worked closely with Focus helping it to 'flourish and grow'.
"Their support is vital for the ongoing existence and development of Focus as well as ensuring that we can hold functions like Milly's Ball.
"We have worked closely with our friends from the INF who have assisted us and our member groups with many functions including co-hosting a party for the visiting Children of Chernobyl," she said.
John McKinney, received the 'Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award' which was collected on his behalf by his son, Patrick.
Development Officer, Geraldine Keys, said that the award was in acknowledgement of the very positive and productive light Mr McKinney shone on Omagh, especially after the bomb.
"The members remember meeting him within the first hour of the bomb and already his calming professionalism was showing us direction in dealing with an atrocity so as to limit the hurt and damage for all connected," said Geraldine.
"This award is not only for the work after the bomb but also for his dedication, commitment and passion for Omagh and we wish him well in his new post," she added.
The final award of the night for 'Total Team Player' had a significant importance to Focus as it was decided that in future the award should be in memory of Sandra Jones, who died last year.
"On a sunny Sunday afternoon we learnt of the untimely death of our dear friend and colleague Sandra Jones, partner of Rodney and father of Jacqueline and Gareth," said Committee member, Gerry McCusker.
"We decided that, the Focus award this year, and for many years to come should be the 'Sandra Jones Memorial Award' which will be awarded to the Total Team Player of the group," he said.
"Although this year the worthy winner is our Chairperson, Rozella Kelly, this award is for all those who have dedicated their time and energy to Focus, not forgetting Sandra herself, who was in fact one of the founder members of the group as well as a previous Chairperson.
The ceremony concluded with special thanks being given to Aiden Bunting, Omagh District Council Community Relations Officer, for his assistance in selecting the categories for the event and also for his contribution towards the prizes.
Thanks were also expressed to the many local businesses for their continuous generosity.
Volunteers contribute so much towards community life
URBAN Community Network group, Focus, celebrated a highly successful Community Awards night recently in honour of the many volunteers who contributed so much towards the community in the Omagh area.
Included among the many award winners were former Council Chief Executive, John McKinney, who received the 'Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award' and Rozella Kelly, who received the 'Total Team Player Award'.
Focus Chairperson, Rozella Kelly, said the awards night had been organised to acknowledge all volunteers in the community sector within the Omagh Town area adding that she was delighted to see so many present.
"All of those nominated for the various awards tonight have all demonstrated their commitment to improving their communities and organisations.
"Whilst we have winners in every category, everybody nominated should feel justifiably proud of their achievements, and that we all recognise their valuable contribution to the local community," she said.
In addition Rozella paid tribute to the organisation's founders and the many local groups who have worked closely with Focus helping it to 'flourish and grow'.
"Their support is vital for the ongoing existence and development of Focus as well as ensuring that we can hold functions like Milly's Ball.
"We have worked closely with our friends from the INF who have assisted us and our member groups with many functions including co-hosting a party for the visiting Children of Chernobyl," she said.
John McKinney, received the 'Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award' which was collected on his behalf by his son, Patrick.
Development Officer, Geraldine Keys, said that the award was in acknowledgement of the very positive and productive light Mr McKinney shone on Omagh, especially after the bomb.
"The members remember meeting him within the first hour of the bomb and already his calming professionalism was showing us direction in dealing with an atrocity so as to limit the hurt and damage for all connected," said Geraldine.
"This award is not only for the work after the bomb but also for his dedication, commitment and passion for Omagh and we wish him well in his new post," she added.
The final award of the night for 'Total Team Player' had a significant importance to Focus as it was decided that in future the award should be in memory of Sandra Jones, who died last year.
"On a sunny Sunday afternoon we learnt of the untimely death of our dear friend and colleague Sandra Jones, partner of Rodney and father of Jacqueline and Gareth," said Committee member, Gerry McCusker.
"We decided that, the Focus award this year, and for many years to come should be the 'Sandra Jones Memorial Award' which will be awarded to the Total Team Player of the group," he said.
"Although this year the worthy winner is our Chairperson, Rozella Kelly, this award is for all those who have dedicated their time and energy to Focus, not forgetting Sandra herself, who was in fact one of the founder members of the group as well as a previous Chairperson.
The ceremony concluded with special thanks being given to Aiden Bunting, Omagh District Council Community Relations Officer, for his assistance in selecting the categories for the event and also for his contribution towards the prizes.
Thanks were also expressed to the many local businesses for their continuous generosity.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/0742
Published Date: 22-Feb-01
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