Hundreds of volunteers and good citizens from across Bradford district came together last night to celebrate the incredible people who give up their time to improve things for local residents.
The winners of the Community Stars Awards were announced at an invitation-only civic ceremony at Bradford's City Hall last night.
Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Naveeda Ikram gave out special solid silver Bradford & District Medals in front of shortlisted 'community stars' who, along with their friends and family, packed Bradford's Council Chamber.
The Good Neighbour award was given to Vera Allot who has spent nearly all her life caring for friends, family and neighbours.
Now at over 80 years old, Vera still helps her elderly neighbours in all sorts of ways including taking them out shopping, making sure they attend doctors appointments and washing their clothes.
Sadiyya Mahmood, a volunteer for a local charity Bradnet and who has Cerebral Palsy won the Young Active Citizen category.
Sadiyya invested incredible amounts of time and energy helping raise funds for charity by approaching local businesses and baking and selling buns.
The Friends of Harold Park won the Community Group award by revitalising and rejuvenating their local park with play equipment, display boards, benches and a programme of activities and events.
The creation of a living green space for leisure and play has had a very positive impact on community life in Lower Moor.
Community Champion winner, Nazim Ali, has coached under-12 football for the past 4 years and has been involved in Fairbank United Football Club since he was 8 years old.
Nazim organises tournaments, community days, is a magistrate and a mentor for young people and has raised significant amounts of money for the Club.
Amy Walker and Emma Dick won the Fundraiser category by making and selling jewellery to raise money for a local health and social care charity which supports vulnerable women.
Amy and Emma who themselves are recovering from mental distress have also inspired others to get involved and raise money for the charity.
Local student, Hamaad Shahid, who has volunteered on student radio for over five years, organises charity appeals, tournaments and runs a cricket team took the Volunteer category.
One nominee didn't fit into the categories but captured the spirit of Community Stars perfectly, so the short listing panel felt compelled to create a special award for Kath Dewhirst, who has run a small shop in Idle for over 31 years.
At 89 years old, Kath has become the ‘heart and soul' of the local community.
Kath charges nominal fees for her repairs and barely covers the rent and costs for her business.
She is always there to listen to people's problems and nothing is too much trouble for her.
Kath has been robbed three times and mugged once but refuses to retire because she doesn't want to let local people down.
All the winners for Community Stars were decided by a district-wide ballot.
Over 80 people were nominated and over 2,500 votes flooded in for 18 shortlisted nominations.
The ceremony marks the end of the Active Citizens 2011 campaign which has been organised by Bradford Council and its partners to recognise the efforts of local people who use their spare time to make a positive difference to the Bradford district.
The Community Stars Awards were organised by Bradford Council and the Telegraph & Argus.
Lord Mayor of Bradford, Coun Naveeda Ikram, said: "I am delighted and honoured to have been given an opportunity to be a part of these wonderful awards.
"Our Community Stars are the life-blood of our district and it is fitting we celebrate their achievements in this way.”
Deputy Leader of Bradford Council, Coun Imran Hussain said: "Bradford district has a strong culture of volunteering and these awards highlight the fantastic contributions of all the district's active citizens.
"I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the winners of the Community Stars Awards, however everyone here tonight deserves recognition.
"The real winners are all the residents living in Bradford district.
"You would be hard-pressed to find anyone whose life hasn't been touched in some way by active citizens.
"Every day thousands of local people receive help and support from volunteers, however we also need to recognise that volunteers benefit greatly from giving their time and making a difference.
"Well done to the winners and well done Bradford district.”
Perry Austin Clarke, Editor of the Telegraph & Argus said: "Community Stars has been incredibly successful and we are delighted to be given the opportunity to raise awareness of these amazing unsung heroes.
"It's vitally important that the efforts of these exceptional people are recognised and we hope this year's winners will be the first of many to proudly display their Bradford & District Medals.”
