Incredible reaction to Scottish Charity Awards 2016 finalists

Well, what can I say? Amazed. Astounded. Overwhelmed. When it comes to describing how I feel today it's all of the above. The reaction to the Scottish Charity Awards never fails to impress and, in the best way possible, surprise me.

there's such a strong list of inspiring people and organisations included among our finalists

Only a day has passed since we announced details of our 34 finalists. In that time we've already clocked up over 3300 of public votes for the People's choice award! As if that weren't impressive enough, votes have come in from places far and wide: Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Sweden, France and the USA, to name just a few. It's a wonderful reaction. It shows how much people value the difference made by all our finalists in making Scotland a better place. I guess it's easy to see why when there's such a strong list of inspiring people and organisations included. Year after year, social media plays a bigger role in encouraging people to vote. It's great to see our finalists getting creative and their supporters showing so much support, sharing their updates and jumping into the general celebratory sprit of the Awards. Here's a few of my favourite posts so far:

Could you take a moment to vote for our Make #RentingRight campaign? https://t.co/MepUQ7cG3t #ILoveCharity pic.twitter.com/SOwMOTLJwL

— Shelter Scotland (@shelterscotland) May 2, 2016

Do you love us enough to vote in the Scottish Charity Awards? Of course you do https://t.co/UzJmB0etZf #ILoveCharity pic.twitter.com/tH70yGg4w5 — Libertie Project (@Libertieproject) May 2, 2016

Two of our amazing supporters are up for a Scottish Charity Award 2016! More: https://t.co/gSagimDYGP #ILoveCharity pic.twitter.com/qbnLMMHCyh

— MND Scotland (@MNDScotland) May 2, 2016

Now into its tenth year, the Awards night is a stellar fixture of the third sector calendar. It's a chance for people to take pride in the difference made by Scottish charities of all shapes and sizes, when great achievements are recognised by both the sector and the public. I'm so pleased by the reaction so far and look forward to counting up the votes as they come in. Remember, voting remains open until Friday 13 May. Make sure to have your say! #ILoveCharity