The Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector held the 14th edition of the National Volunteer Award ceremony in order, as it does every year, to recognise individuals and organisations that distinguish themselves in the sector and whose contributions help create a better society.

A total of 44 nominations were submitted, and during the ceremony six awards were announced and presented.

The winners are as follows.

1.      The main award, the National Volunteer of the Year Award: Mario Darmanin from the Malta Frame Football Association.

2.      The Young Volunteer Award, intended for those between 16 and 30 years of age: Emma Cauchi from the Badel Powell Scouts Malta.

3.      The National Award for a Voluntary Organisation: S.T.A.N.D. - Striving Towards Ability Not Disability.

4.      The Victor Calvagna Children Volunteer Award, presented to a volunteer aged between 10 and 15: Jan Weening Attard from The Malta Rabbit Club.

5.      The Special Award for Volunteer Service, presented for outstanding service within the voluntary sector: Janatha Stubbs.

6.      The Special Award for Project of the Year in the Voluntary Sector, presented to a project that stood out during the year: "Safe Home" by the voluntary organisation St John Rescue Corps.

This award ceremony was held on the eve of International Volunteer Day, as celebrated by the United Nations on 5 December.

The principal award, Volunteer of the Year, was won by Mario Darmanin from the Malta Frame Football association. The Voluntary Organisation of the Year award was presented to S.T.A.N.D. - Striving Towards Ability Not Disability. The Special Award was presented to Janatha Stubbs for her many years of dedication in the voluntary field, particularly for founding the Razzett tal-Ħbiberija, which later joined the Eden Foundation and became the Inspire Foundation as it is known today.

During the ceremony, the Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering, Julia Farrugia, explained that while honouring those who give their time, energy, and commitment to serving others, we are reminded of how essential voluntary work is within our society. Volunteers, she noted, not only fill gaps where needed but also inspire efforts to build a more just, sensitive, and united community. 

Every action, whether small or large, creates a ripple effect that brings hope to many. She added that the Government remains steadfast in its commitment to strengthening the structures and resources that allow volunteers and organisations to work safely, professionally, and sustainably. Inclusion, she stated, is not merely an attractive word but a value that must be lived in everyday practice, and volunteers are the strongest example of how this can be achieved.

Gertrude Buttigieg, Chairperson of the Council, stressed that International Volunteer Day carries profound significance because it reminds us of the work carried out by thousands of volunteers, beyond any expectation of gratitude. She acknowledged that these individuals give the most precious gift a person possesses - their time - and offer it in service of causes that matter to them.

The Maltese Council for the Voluntary Sector reaffirms its commitment to strengthening the work of volunteers and voluntary organisations in Malta. This work contributes to the reinforcement of democracy, community resilience, and personal development. The Council firmly believes that volunteering not only develops the potential of each individual but also improves society when we work together.