The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award recognises individuals or groups who endeavour to improve the lives of others. We are delighted that Hope and Homes for Children Founders Mark and Caroline Cook have been nominated for this honour.

This annual award seeks to celebrate the efforts of those whose selfless acts or ‘hands-on’ charitable work enriches the lives of others or communities as a whole. Previous nominees have included UNICEF ambassador and actor Ewan McGregor and political activist and actress Shabana Azmi.

UNICEF Ambassador and television presenter Kaye Adams, one of the five strong judging panel, commented,

“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.”

Mark and Caroline are joined by Zachary Bonner and Habib Malik for this year’s nominations.

Zachary Bonner, aged 11, started his charity work at a young age in 2004 by supplying clean water to the victims of Hurricane Charlie in Florida. In 2005 he went onto found the Little Red Wagon Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation designed to help underprivileged children.

Habib Malik is Scotland’s Manager of Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) and a passionate fundraiser and member of Islamic Relief. Islamic Relief is an international relief and development charity that aims to alleviate the suffering of the world's poorest people.

The winner will be announced on Friday 22 January 2010 at an award ceremony at Turnberry Hotel, Scotland. Not only will they receive a specially commissioned hand-made award, but the winner will also collect 1759 guineas – synonymous as the birth year of the iconic Scottish figure Robert Burns and the currency in circulation at the time.

You can find out more about the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award by visiting the official website. Also, why not read more about the history of Hope and Homes for Children.

January 2010

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