Dnipro Kids chairman Steven Carr has been handed a Special Recognition award at this year’s Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards show.
The ceremony is dubbed as “a heart-warming celebration of Scotland’s unsung heroes”, with awe-inspiring stories of courage, compassion and dedication.
Dnipro Kids was founded after Hibernian FC played Ukrainian side FC Dnipro in the UEFA Cup in 2005. Travelling fans, including Steven, held a collection for a local orphanage, and maintained links after returning to Scotland, setting up the charity in aid of the city’s disadvantaged children.
The award was presented in recognition of Steven’s work as one of the charity’s founding members and his continued efforts since then as one of the charity’s seven committee members.
When Dnipro, Ukraine’s fourth-largest city, was further invaded by Russia in February 2022, the charity helped to evacuate more than 50 orphans, as well as their carers, ultimately bringing them to Edinburgh where they have been given temporary sanctuary until it is safe for them to return home.
Steven told the Daily Record: “They consider themselves one big family group, so we had to find somewhere to accommodate all these children and adults together. Luckily we did thanks to the help of so many people – too many to mention. We are so grateful.”
Deputy First Minister John Swinney said: “I am sure Scotland will open our hearts to these children and treat them with warmth, dignity and compassion.
“A huge thank you to Steven Carr and all those involved with Dnipro Kids for their tireless work on behalf of these children.”
For the full details of all the winners as the 2022 Prove of Scotland Awards visit: www.prideofscotland.org