{"id":1211,"date":"2026-05-12T17:52:23","date_gmt":"2026-05-12T16:52:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/connectedaberdeen.org\/woodside\/?p=1211"},"modified":"2026-05-12T17:54:32","modified_gmt":"2026-05-12T16:54:32","slug":"congrats-charlene","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/connectedaberdeen.org\/woodside\/2026\/05\/12\/congrats-charlene\/","title":{"rendered":"Congrats Charlene"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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Some excellent news from Fersands and Fountain Community Project!<\/p>

Claire Whyte writes: \u2018We\u2019re thrilled to announce that\u00a0Charlene Kilpatrick<\/strong>\u00a0has been shortlisted for the\u00a0Heart of the Community Award<\/strong>\u2014an honour that recognises individuals who have shown unwavering dedication to the people and places around them.<\/p>

Charlene\u2019s nomination is a testament to her years of passionate service, not only through her tireless volunteer work with our SCIO, but also her invaluable contributions to the Community Council, local networks, and beyond. Her efforts have helped strengthen the spirit and resilience of our community in countless ways.<\/p>

Charlene Kilpatrick is the beating heart of Woodside\u2019s community. A member of the first-ever Scottish Youth Parliament in 1999 and holder of an HNC in Community Work, Charlene has dedicated over 20 years to volunteering with Fersands & Fountain SCIO\u2014supporting youth services, sitting on the board, and helping secure funding to give young people the best opportunities. Her daughter, who accessed Fersands services growing up, now works and volunteers with us, continuing Charlene\u2019s legacy of care and connection. As Chair of the Woodside Community Council and a key figure in the Woodside Network, Charlene is a tireless advocate for equality, empowerment, and social justice. She volunteers at every major community event\u2014whether dressing up for the Halloween Trail, setting up a magical Santa\u2019s Grotto, or helping run our summer galas. She supports our Language Caf\u00e9, gives out free food every Friday morning, and attends Aberdeen City Council\u2019s Budget Day to speak directly with councillors about the impact of our work at Fersands. Charlene will talk to anyone who\u2019ll listen about the value of community services, and she always champions Fersands with pride and passion.\u2019<\/p>

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Woodside Free Press: Hi Charlene! It\u2019s great that you\u2019re being recognised as a real heart of
the community! What does \u2018community\u2019 mean to you?<\/strong><\/p>

Everything. It\u2019s where I live and work, it\u2019s where I grew up, it\u2019s also where I spent most of my life representing.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>

Woodside Free Press: What have been your favourite parts of belonging to Woodside
communities over the past year?<\/strong><\/p>

My favourite part is making a difference to people\u2019s lives. One of my favourite things is helping with the winter wonderland and dressing up on the day and giving the children a day not to be forgotten.\u00a0<\/p>

Woodside Free Press: What are your wishes for Woodside in 2026?<\/strong><\/p>

I want to see the community service in Woodside grow with increased funding. I want to see us have a happy well serviced community where everyone works in partnership for the best of the community. I want to see people to see Woodside for what it is: a community who looks after each other, who care and protect each other.<\/p>

Woodside Free Press: Thanks very much Charlene, and many, many congratulations!\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Some excellent news from Fersands and Fountain Community Project! Claire Whyte writes: \u2018We\u2019re thrilled to announce<\/p>\n