Foyle Women’s Information Network were officially presented with the highly prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service on July 20th.
This is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK to recognise outstanding work done in their own communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate the anniversary of The Queen's coronation. It is the MBE for volunteer groups.
In attendance at the event was the Lord Lieutenant of the County and Borough of Londonderry, Dr Angela Garvey, along with a number of her deputy lieutenants.
The event also saw the launch and exhibition of a number of quilts put together by local women’s groups. The quilt project was funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs, who had a representative at the event – Ms Niamh Kelpie.
FWIN Co-ordinator, Catherine Cooke, said: “We had a fabulous day and it was a great honour to receive this award.
“Our quilt project is a fantastic example of the work and commitment of our volunteers who are being celebrated here today, I would like to add a special word of thanks to the Department of Foreign Affairs for funding the quilt project.
“Our volunteers are the heart of our organisation and without them we couldn’t exist. I want to take this opportunity to thank our board members and volunteers for all they do for FWIN and I am delighted that this award has recognised their hard work and dedication.”
