ORGANISATIONS which have made vital contributions to the Island’s community will have their efforts rewarded with cash prizes at this year’s 16th Community Action Awards.
The aim of the competition — the first in two years and boasting a new format — is designed to celebrate, encourage and reward the dedication of those involved in the Island’s voluntary sector.
The projects will be judged on the achievements of their volunteers, originality, good organisation, planning and an efficient use of their resources.
This year’s categories are children and young people, environmental, arts and heritage, older people, local communities and sport.
The overall winning cash prize will be £1,500, with a runner up prize of £500.
Each category winner will receive £250 and each category runner up £100. The overall winning organisation and runner up will be chosen from the winners of each category.
Any voluntary sector organisation or community group, large or small, can enter the competition, which is being run by the Isle of Wight Rural Community Council (IWRCC).
Ryde Inshore Rescue won the competition two years ago. It attracted 58 entries and the IWRCC will be pulling out all the stops to attract more this year, said the IWRCC’s Janet Short, the competition’s organiser.
The closing date for entries is Wednesday, May 5.
Judging will take place between May 24 and 26 and the awards will be presented by Sir Guy Acland, at Newport’s Riverside Centre, on June 24.
The sponsoring organisations, led by the County Press, also include Wightlink, Pan Regeneration, Isle Care, Cemoc and the IWRCC.
To enter, contact the IWRCC on 01983 524058 or click on the link below to download an entry form.
• Click here to download an entry form
• Click here to read a letter from IWRCC resources manager, Janet Short, on rewarding community involvement
• Click here for more information on the IWRCC awards