THE leader of what is believed to be Scotland’s oldest befriending service for underprivileged and disadvantaged children has been shortlisted for a national award that recognises high-achieving Scottish women in the business world who contribute to society.
Karen Farquhar, chief executive of the Aberdeen-based charity, Befriend A Child, has been nominated for the Outstanding Contribution to Business accolade in the forthcoming Association of Scottish Businesswomen (ASB) Awards 2011.
Says a spokesperson: “The annual awards programme is open to businesswomen within the private, public, and voluntary sectors in Scotland.
“The second stage of adjudication for this year’s scheme took place last week in Edinburgh where Karen and her three fellow shortlisted candidates were interviewed by a panel of top business professionals – including Linda Keeney of Business Gateway and Tracy Thomson of Royal Bank of Scotland – to discuss their roles, experience and credentials.
“The results of all six award categories, which also include the Most Enterprising Business, Young Business of the Year and Scottish Woman of Achievement accolades, will be revealed at an awards’ ceremony on Friday, September 09, at the Macdonald Highland Resort in Aviemore.”
Karen said: “I’m delighted to have been nominated as a finalist in this prestigious awards scheme.
“The adjudication process has been extensive, involving an in-depth analysis of my work for Befriend A Child.
“I believe I have put myself forward as a passionate businesswoman who cares deeply for the success of the charity and who is driven to constantly develop and innovate our service provision across the North-east of Scotland.
“Come what may on the evening, I am just pleased to have been selected alongside my fellow candidates who I have enjoyed meeting and come to hugely respect.”
Established in 1975, Befriend A Child works alongside social workers, care homes, health visitors, and other charities, to support underprivileged and disadvantaged children aged 4-16 and continues to work with them up until the age of 18, if required.
The scheme became a registered charity in 1991 and in 2010 worked with more than 170 children in Aberdeen City – its largest number to date. It has recently expanded its services into south Aberdeenshire for the first time.
For more information about Befriend A Child, call 01224 210 060, visit www.befriendachild.org.uk or e-mail karen@befriendachild.org.uk
For further information on the Association of Scottish Businesswomen Awards 2011, including finalist details for all categories, visit www.asb-scotland.org/awards.
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