The Robert Burns Humanitarian Award
Man to Man the world o'er, Shall brothers be for a' that
This famous phrase sums up all that is best about Burns, and indeed, Scotland: our tolerance, friendship and humanity. And the simple sentiment and beautiful words are the inspiration for the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award.
Now in its eighth year, the Robert Burns Humanitarian Award 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, 'hands on' charitable/volunteer work, or other acts. The winner 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.
Halo Trust founder wins Humanitarian Award
Guy Willoughby, founder of the Halo Trust, is the winner of the 2009 Robert Burns Humanitarian Award. The award is one of the world’s most prestigious humanitarian awards and was presented by Scotland’s First Minister in Ayr.
First Minister Alex Salmond said: “Guy Willoughby is one of Scotland’s most prolific humanitarians and I am delighted to present him with this award, which recognises his incredible work through the Halo Trust.”
Guy Willoughby was delighted to accept the award which he hopes will help raise awareness of the work of Halo Trust. He said: "I am delighted to receive this award, and will use it to raise awareness of the work of many hundreds of charity staff, many of whom are Scots, who live in conflict and post-conflict countries facing danger, disease, discomfort and often isolation for little financial reward and minimal award. Their commitment does not receive enough recognition.”
The Nominees
| Guy Willoughby |
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Guy Willoughby is the founder and CEO of the HALO Trust which
specialises in the removal of war debris. The
Dumfries-based Trust has over 7,500 staff working overseas,
clearing landmines and unexploded bombs as an act of charity on
behalf of some of the most impoverished communities around the
world.
By late 2008, HALO had cleared over 10 million items of larger calibre ordnance, clearing over 5,000 minefields and destroying over fifty million bullets. HALO’s mission statement is simple ‘Getting mines out of the ground, now’. Since founding HALO in 1988, Guy’s actions have saved countless thousands of people from either violent deaths or severe disability.
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| Phil Hughes |
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In 1998, Phil Hughes set up his charity which is now named the ‘Dumfries and Galloway Aid Convoy’. He gathered together a group to visit warn-torn Bosnia and Kosovo. They visited orphanages, hospitals, schools and refugee camps providing approximately £1.5 million of humanitarian aid. Since 2001, Phil has raised funds for ‘Alternativa’, a charity run mental health centre in Albania. His humanitarian work has raised money for medial equipment, computer facilities and new windows and doors. He also teaches patients self defence to help build their self- confidence. Phil is now heavily involved in voluntary work in Dumfries and Galloway. He currently chairs three voluntary groups, giving up his personal time to help others.
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Shabana Azmi |
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Shabana Azmi is a leading actress in experimental films in India, winning numerous awards nationally and internationally for her acting skills. Yet it is not her movie roles that have made her a hero for modern India. Azmi is also a committed social activist, active in the fight against AIDS and injustice. Early in her career, she took up the cause of slum dwellers in Mumbai where she lives, who had been ruthlessly evicted by municipal authorities. Shabana’s greatest battle has been against fundamentalist Islamic leaders. She has fought relentlessly against religious fundamentalism of all hues and is highly respected as a moderate, liberal Muslim voice. Shabana is also a visiting Professor at Ann Arbour Michigan and has addressed several universities such as Harvard and University of London. |
