NICVA Link Awards attract 100 nominations

News release

For immediate use: 10 September 2004

More than 100 nominations have been received for companies, public bodies, schools and societies in the 2004 NICVA Link Awards, sponsored by BT Mobile and supported by the Belfast Telegraph.

Their representatives were presented with certificates to mark their contribution to charity at a ceremony at NICVA’s North Belfast offices, hosted by UTV’s Paul Clark.

Winners of the Charity Oscars, which recognise the contribution of commercial and other bodies to the work of the voluntary and community sector, will be announced at a gala reception on 23 September.

Altogether 80 companies, schools and other organisations were nominated by 50 charities, several of whom made more than one nomination for organisations that are supporting them.

“The judges were very impressed by the close and long-term relationships that are developing between charities and wider society ,” said Una McKernan, NICVA’s director of corporate services.

“Businesses, public bodies, schools and others are building long-term links with voluntary bodies, not just organising once-off events. We are grateful to all of them .”

The awards, now in their 18th year, have changed format this time round. In addition to the large charity nomination, there are special awards for small and medium sized organisations which may have more limited resources and for which the support they receive can be all-important.

A category was available for the first time for clubs, societies and schools, many of which have close links with charities. There are also awards this year for innovation and for challenge.

“As a result of the changes we have received even more nominations than in previous years. The new categories more closely reflect the relationship between charities and the wider community,” Ms McKernan added.

For further information please contact Paul Mc Gill at NICVA, 028 9087 7777 or 0772 1746 805.