2010 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award Nominees Announced

The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award, now in its ninth year, is presented annually to a group or individual who has saved, improved or enriched the lives of others or society as a whole, through personal self-sacrifice, selfless service or 'hands on' charitable work.

Habib Malik from Aberdeen, Scotland Manager of Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and fundraiser for Islamic Relief, Mark and Caroline Cook from Wiltshire, founders of Hope and Homes for Children and 11 year old Zachary Bonner from Florida, founder of the Little Red Wagon Foundation are all in the running for the prestigious global humanitarian award, the winner of which will be announced on January 22nd at a glittering awards ceremony at Turnberry Hotel. (See notes to editors for full details of shortlisted nominees).

The winner of the award receives 1759 guineas, a sum which signifies the year of the bard's birth and the coinage then in circulation, as well as a specially commissioned hand-made award.

Last year’s winner, Guy Willoughby who founded the Halo Trust, joined the judging panel this year. He said: He said: “Recognising the humanitarian efforts of individuals is vital for raising the profile of their causes and the worthiness of humanitarian work. All the nominees this year were of a high calibre and choosing just three nominees for the final was a difficult task from the shortlist of ten that each had votes from the judges. The finalists announced have different attributes and are from different backgrounds - however all have set a particular example to others by putting their causes ahead of themselves - and prove that anyone can make a difference and help others."

Scottish television presenter and UNICEF Ambassador Kaye Adams, also joined this year’s judging panel. She said: “This award recognises those who give up their time, energy, money and efforts to help others around the world and as such is an important annual celebration of selflessness and should be an inspiration to people across Scotland and indeed around the world. Anyone can make a difference, whether it’s within their own community or further afield and the nominees shortlisted for this year’s award are evidence of just what a huge difference we can make.”