The Welsh Refugee Council (WRC) has been named ‘Organisation of the Year’ at this year’s Welsh Charity Awards in Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel, scooping the top award. The leading charity has been recognised for its outstanding contribution in supporting asylum seekers and refugees across Wales.
Announced late on 11 October, WRC fought off stiff competition from finalists Calan DVS, Cycling4all,FareShare Cymru, and Llamau to win the coveted prize. It has been commended for a programme of work, over the past year, that has successfully homed over 200 refugees who would otherwise have been homeless and for initiating a unique pan-Wales project benefiting over 1,700 Ukrainians.
Andrea Cleaver, Chief Executive Officer, of the Welsh Refugee Council said:
‘I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of the Welsh Refugee Council’s volunteers and staff helping sanctuary-seekers rebuild their lives in Wales. Despite the hostility shown by the UK Government, I am deeply moved by the daily acts of kindness shown by our staff and volunteers. I am so proud that Wales is a Nation of Sanctuary.’
Speaking at this year’s ceremony, at Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel, WCVA’s Matt Brown said: ‘Like the Urdd, who won last year’s Organisation of the Year, the Welsh Refugee Council exemplifies all that is good about the sector. In addition to creating direct services for asylum seekers and refugees, it has given a voice to those that are most marginalised in our society and has been an embodiment of Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary.
‘The Welsh Refugee Council, like all of our other seven winners, have achieved so much over the past year and is well respected and admired by others in the sector for changing lives for the better. We’re thrilled, at WCVA, to be able to honour these eight worthy winners.’
Organised by WCVA (Wales Council for Voluntary Action), it is the only dedicated awards ceremony to celebrate the entire voluntary sector in Wales, recognising and celebrating the fantastic contribution charities, community groups, not-for-profits and volunteers make to Wales by highlighting and championing the positive difference we can make to each other’s lives.
The Welsh Charity Awards celebrate just some of the amazing stories of the difference that charities and volunteers from across Wales are making. For the full list of finalists, please visit the Welsh Charity Awards website.
