BBC sports presenter Amy Irons, event host: “It is a real honour to be part of the Glasgow Community Champions Awards, celebrating the people who selflessly help others. In the run up to Christmas, the most giving time of the year, this is the perfect event to thank all those who give their time and energy and expertise 365 days of the year.”

Julie and Bryan Morrison, Baby Loss Retreat, winners of a commendation, Health and Wellbeing category: “We were overwhelmed to be in the same room as so many inspirational people. To be given a commendation was an honour, as the other two groups in our category were so strong. It’s great recognition for us, as we want to get our name out there, to help other bereaved parents realise they are not alone.”

Helen Wilson, hospice can-collector and Public Service Award finalist: “I’ve been doing this for 30 years and I love it. Like everyone else here tonight, I’m not doing it for awards, I just want to help people. But it’s lovely to be recognised.”

Erin Boyle of the Kano Foundation, Individual Award finalist: “It’s been a fantastic night, getting the chance to meet so many amazing groups from across Glasgow who are all doing brilliant work. It’s good to chat to each other and share our experiences. I’m honoured to be here.”

Bernadette Monaghan, director of community empowerment and equalities at Glasgow City Council: “We have seen again the vitally important partnership work that goes on in communities across Glasgow every day, and on behalf of the Glasgow Community Planning Partnership, we would like to record our thanks for the efforts that are made to keep this wonderful city going. I hope that all present enjoyed their evening and are very proud of their achievements.”

Scott Nicholson, West End Road Runners, Sport Award finalist: “We have tried to be inclusive and supportive of all our runners and have grown from 12 to around 150, so we are delighted to have had that impact. It’s great to be part of the Glasgow Community Champions Awards.”

Read more: Unsung heroes get their moment in the spotlight

Paul Sherrin, co-ordinator for the Beatson Cancer Charity Volunteers, Team Award finalist: “Everyone has their own motivation for volunteering and many of our team have a personal reason for doing so. We have a fantastic team of around 250 people now, which is amazing. We feel privileged and excited to be here tonight. “

Tom McInally, Trades House Deacon Convener: “The involvement of the Trades House of Glasgow in the Glasgow Community Champions Awards, and my participation in the judging of it as Deacon Convener, was one of the highlights of my year in office. The awards illustrate the enormous commitment and good-will of the people of Glasgow to help others in their community. Trades House and the Crafts award more than £750,000 annually to deserving causes. The Community Champions Awards have helped to increase our awareness of the range of groups and organisations we can assist and the importance of continuing to encourage more volunteers to help improve the lives of Glasgow’s citizens.”

Jackie Ewing, Bridgeton Community Learning Centre, Public Service Award finalist: “I can’t believe it – what an honour to be here. I feel very grateful to have been nominated by the community I support – that means the world to me. I’ve been doing this role for more than 11 years, and to be given recognition for something you love doing is the icing on the cake.”

GHA chair Bernadette Hewitt said: “We’ve been delighted to support this year’s Evening Times Community Champion Awards. The standard of the entries was superb and huge congratulations must go to

all the winners whose work in their communities is making a difference to people’s lives.”

Read more: Our judges on an incredible group of finalists

Kirsty Chapman, Castlemilk Youth Complex, Team Award winners: “This project has been running for 25 years so it’s amazing to get this recognition. The young people are the bosses, they make the decisions and they have made it the heart of the community.”