On Wednesday 2nd May, Lord Lieutenant Angus Campbell presented Michaels Limited, the charity behind Michael House, with the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the highest honour that can be bestowed to voluntary organisations and the equivalent of an MBE.
Eytan and Michelle Krips kindly hosted the event at Hotel Collingwood, Priory Rd.
In his speech, he talked of the resilience of the charity which has survived severe funding cuts and turned initial opposition into community engagement.
The citation, signed by her Majesty, reads “Michaels Limited provides accommodation, creates opportunities and encourages homeless men and women to rebuild their own lives.
He also presented five friends and supporters with newly created Michael House charity ambassador awards. Recipients included Sheila Hagan who has recruited an army of supporters and volunteers for Michaels, Keith Lunford, Michaels’ accountant for over 20 years and Tracey Harrison who has gone above and beyond her role as community relations partner for Waitrose. The youngest recipients, Corey and Casia Fox, have systematically raised awareness of the hostel as well as money through carol singing and chick-hatching parties. “It was a lovely occasion to be part of,” says mum Katrina Fox. “The kids have come away buzzing with new fundraising ideas and we have pencilled in a duck-hatching day in July.” Further ambassador awards will be presented at the next AGM.
Sheila Hagan said “I am deeply moved and feel so humbled. I’m still completely blown away. I had no idea. I was really pleased to meet Tracey and we are already planning ideas together.”
Tracey Harrison said, “It means a great deal. Michael House will always be special to me.”
