Astrid Vella wins award for volunteers

Astrid Vella, one of the founders of the environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar has won the first Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by SOS Malta. She was handed a trophy designed by sculptor Damien Darmanin in a ceremony presided by Prime...

Astrid Vella, one of the founders of the environment NGO Flimkien Ghal Ambjent Ahjar has won the first Volunteer of the Year Award, presented by SOS Malta.

She was handed a trophy designed by sculptor Damien Darmanin in a ceremony presided by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi.

Dr Gonzi praised the award organisers, saying the award was an expression of the value of volunteering.

Ms Vella in comments to the press called for the setting up of a state-funded centre for NGOs, which, she said, would save the organisations expenses on rents which could be better used elsewhere.

The chairman of the selection board, Alan Deidun, said there had been 11 entries for the award. The selection criteria were motivation, self-sacrifice, dedication, effectiveness and the value of such activities in society.

Ms Vella wil be travelling to Strasbourg as Malta's nominee for the European Volunteer of the Year Award 2008.

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