Girls’ Brigade honoured with Queen’s Award

The organisation received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service (QAVS) from the Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, in front of a specially invited audience at the Hitlon hotel in Templepatrick.
 
Created in 2002 to mark the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation, the QAVS recognises the outstanding work done in local communities and the dedication of local people to local causes. It is the highest civic award given to local volunteer groups across the UK and is considered to be the MBE for volunteer groups.
 
Welcoming guests to the event, Alison Stevenson, GBNI President said:
 
“We are absolutely delighted to be awarded with the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in this our celebratory 125th Anniversary year. 

“It is wonderful that the work of the many volunteers within GBNI has been recognised in this special way. 
“GBNI is blessed to have such committed and passionate volunteers and the award reflects their exceptional dedication to encourage girls to Seek, Serve and Follow Christ.”

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman John Smyth, congratulated the organisation on its prestigious achievement.

“I extend my warmest congratulations to Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland, for what you have done for the community over many years.

“The value of the Girls’ Brigade in modern society is as important now as it ever was - it is an organisation that values young women and the impact they have on the world.

“I wish you continued success for the future.”

Founded in Dublin in 1893, the Girls’ Brigade is the largest youth organisation in Northern Ireland with around 22,000 members and 3,845 volunteers involved in it.