Winners Of The National Volunteer Awards Announced
The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector organised the 14th National Volunteer Awards ceremony to recognise, as it does every year, individuals and organisations that have distinguished themselves in the sector and whose contributions help build a better society.
A total of 44 nominations were received, and six awards were announced and presented during the ceremony.
The winners are as follows:
- National Volunteer of the Year Award (Main Award): Mario Darmanin from Malta Frame Football
- Young Volunteer Award (for ages 16–30): Emma Cauchi from Badel Powell Scouts Malta
- National Award for a Voluntary Organisation: S.T.A.N.D. – Striving Towards Ability Not Disability
- Victor Calvagna Children Volunteer Award (for ages 10–15): Jan Weening Attard from The Malta Rabbit Club
- Special Award for Voluntary Service: Janatha Stubbs
- Special Award for Volunteer Project of the Year: “Safe Home” by St John Rescue Corps
The ceremony was held on the eve of International Volunteer Day, celebrated by the United Nations every 5 December.
The main award, Volunteer of the Year, went to Mario Darmanin, while S.T.A.N.D. received the award for Voluntary Organisation of the Year. The Special Award for Voluntary Service was presented to Janatha Stubbs for her years of dedication, particularly for establishing the Razzett tal-Ħbiberija, which later became part of the Eden Foundation and is now known as the Inspire Foundation.
During the ceremony, Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia stated that volunteers are an essential pillar of society. Chairperson Gertrude Buttigieg highlighted that International Volunteer Day reminds us of the work of thousands of volunteers who give their most precious gift – their time – to causes they care about.
The Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector reaffirmed its commitment to supporting volunteers and organisations, strengthening democracy, community resilience, and personal development, while fostering a more inclusive society.