Community Food Initiatives North East (CFINE), a charity and social enterprise based in Aberdeen has been awarded the Social Enterprise of the Year Award by Social Enterprise Awards Scotland on Tuesday, November 12 in The Scottish Parliament.
The goals of the organisation that permeate its social enterprise and charitable activities are improving health and wellbeing, tackling poverty and building resilience for and with vulnerable, low-income and disadvantaged individuals, families and communities in the North-east.
The social enterprise supplies businesses such as NorthLink Ferries and Add Energy with fresh fruit and vegetables, but the produce is also available for private individuals.
CFINE works in partnership with XS Resources and Re-Tek on the IT Reuse Initiative, collecting unwanted IT equipment. The donated devices get data-wiped, refurbished and resold.
Cook at the ‘Nook, CFINE’s community and training kitchen accommodates private events and corporate team building days.
The profit that CFINE’s social enterprise generates is reinvested into its work in the community, alleviating poverty and providing holistic support to people in need.
Dave Simmers, CEO of CFINE said:
“It is an honour that CFINE’s social enterprise has received this distinguished award.
“A large proportion of our corporate customers operate in the energy sector; therefore, the oil downturn had substantially affected CFINE.
“With the support of the Scottish Government, Aberdeen City Council and other funders, we navigated through this difficult time with an even greater focus on enhancing the profile of CFINE’s social enterprise to increase the impact that we make within vulnerable communities.
“We are devoted to further expansions by researching and introducing new projects to CFINE that will enable the charity to provide support to more people in need.”
Lesley DeJager, Chairperson of CFINE said:
“CFINE is grateful for the recognition received from Social Enterprise Awards Scotland.
“Maintaining CFINE’s vision and strategic direction, as well as the dedication and commitment of the staff and volunteers, allowed the organisation to perform a significant growth in the variety of products and services provided by the social enterprise and the charity.
Chris Martin, CEO of Social Enterprise Scotland, said:
"A huge congratulations to the winners of Social Enterprise Awards Scotland 2019 - and thanks to everyone who applied for the awards this year.
“The high standard of applications reflects the great mix of social enterprises across Scotland who are building an inclusive society and economy."
: Dave Simmers, CEO of CFINE and June Pennykind, MD of Keegan-Pennykind, award sponsor.