Nominations open for Founder's Day Awards
We are delighted to announce the return of our annual Founder’s Day Awards this year, previously put on pause due to the pandemic.
The awards mark the anniversary of the founding of our charity when Sir Arthur Pearson opened the doors to war-blinded veterans in 1915 for the very first time. They recognise the inspiring contributions of blind veterans and their family members who share the same boundless spirit as our founder.
This is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate all that’s great about our charity, especially as all those nominated for the awards are chosen by you.
Read on for information about the categories for this year’s awards and how to nominate.
Blind veterans Eddie and Andy at a previous Founder's Day Awards ceremony
Award categories
Inspiring Community Award
This award goes to a blind veteran who has demonstrated inspiring behaviour through voluntarily contributing to their local community.
Life Beyond Sight Loss Award
This is for a blind veteran whose sight loss journey has led them to excel in discovering or re-discovering a skill or activity following sight loss.
Creative Award
This recognises endeavour in a creative activity such as art, handicrafts, sculpture, writing, photography or music.
Sporting Achievement Award
This award celebrates an exceptional sporting achievement during the award year.
Vocational Award
This award goes to a blind veteran who has exhibited drive, enthusiasm and attainment in education, vocational training and employment.
Outstanding Achievement Award
This goes to a blind veteran who has achieved an outstanding level of independence via their participation in an activity. It could go to a new recruit who has demonstrated outstanding achievement within the first 12 months of joining the charity, or it might go to a long-standing beneficiary who has demonstrated outstanding achievement within their long service with the charity.
Camaraderie Award
This award recognises a blind veteran who has enabled, helped or supported another blind veteran on their sight loss journey.
Ted Higgs Prize
This award goes to a war-blinded veteran in recognition of lifetime achievement.
Inspiring Community Award
This award goes to a blind veteran, spouse, widow or widower who has demonstrated inspiring behaviour through their contribution towards the development of the Blind Veterans UK community.
Carers Recognition Award
This one recognises a family member, relative or friend of a blind veteran who has provided an exceptional level of care, enabling them to live with dignity and pride.
How to nominate
Please nominate those you feel have excelled in their endeavours to make a difference by completing our nomination form. If you are a blind veteran you may also nominate by speaking to your Community Support Worker.
Nominations can be submitted by those who know the person they are nominating. You have until 23 April to get your nominations in. More information about the awards will be shared over the coming months and the award ceremony will take place in the summer.
Read more
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