Glasgow charity shop worker wins top award for her volunteering

A Glasgow volunteer has won an award for her work within a charity shop.

Iram Ali, who works at the shop on Dumbarton Road, received the British Heart Foundation (BHF) Volunteer’s Choice Award.

The ceremony was held by BHF to recognise the work of the 18,000 retail volunteers who donate their time to help in their local BHF shops and stores.

The 21-year-old was chosen by a panel of BHF volunteers and was selected as the winner for the energy and enthusiasm she brings to the shop.

She said: “It’s such an honour to be nominated for this award, and it’s an even bigger honour to win and be chosen by fellow volunteers.

"The Glasgow shop is amazing, and there’s always such a positive energy in the team.

“Every day is different, and I love coming into the shop and seeing what needs help with each day.

"I’m so pleased the team enjoy my baking and I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to work with.”

The award presentation took place at an event at the charity's London headquarters.

James Park, area manager at BHF, praised Iram for bringing out the best in the volunteering team, adding that she lends her hand to any task.

Mr Park said: "Iram is always happy to get stuck into any job and she brightens the team by bringing in treats for everyone.

"Iram is so welcoming to everyone, whether they are customers, staff, or volunteers."

Sarah Boardman, retail volunteering operations manager at the BHF, said: “Iram is a valued member of the volunteering team in Glasgow and it is also clear that she’s esteemed amongst our volunteer panel, who selected Iram as the worthy winner of this award.

"We had an incredible 130 nominations for this particular award, so a massive congratulations to Iram for receiving this national recognition."