Aberdeen-based Mackenzie PR congratulated by Scottish Parliament
An Aberdeen PR company chief’s efforts for the voluntary sector in the Granite City has been recognised in the Scottish Parliament.
Cross-party MSPs have congratulated Morven Mackenzie, the owner of Mackenzie PR, who organised 'Celebrate Aberdeen' which saw organisations unite in a spectacular display of energy, song and dance from charities, social enterprises and volunteering organisations to raise awareness of the good work being carried out by the city’s 'Third Sector'.
Thousands of people took to the streets of Aberdeen last Saturday (June 11) and it was largely thanks to Mackenzie, who saw a similar event - the Cherry Blossom Parade, while holidaying in Washington DC, USA, last year - and was immediately convinced the concept could prove a hit in Aberdeen too.
On returning from the USA, Mackenzie, got down to developing her dream and marshalled a strategic committee comprising professionals from across the private, public and Third Sector to take the event through to fruition. Mackenzie and all the committee members gave their time and expertise voluntarily.
The motion at Holyrood, lodged by Aberdeen MSP, Kevin Stewart, congratulated Mackenzie on her work, and expressed the wish that the parade become an annual event.
Stewart pointed out: “It was quite amazing to see hundreds of thousands of folk turning out on a dreich day. People who work tirelessly throughout the year to help others deserve recognition in the parliament.”
Mackenzie said: “The whole point of the Celebrate Aberdeen parade was to raise the profile of the sector and demonstrate how diverse it is and how much good, worthy work gets done.
“To have it recognised at Scottish Parliament level is fantastic. The parade was a tremendous success – more than 3000 people from about 130 organisations paraded down Union Street.”
There have already been indications that the concept will be copied by towns and cities across Scotland.
According to the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), there are around 45,000 voluntary organisations in
Scotland with 137,000 people employed in the sector. In 2009, the sector generated £4.4 billion for the Scottish economy.